Crossword Genius

One who's out of place amongst minerals or animals (4-3)

Ross

I believe the answer is:

also-ran

I'm a little stuck... Click here to teach me more about this clue!

'one who's out of place' is the definition.
I can't tell whether this definition defines the answer.

'amongst minerals or animals' is the wordplay.
'amongst' says the answer is hidden in the clue.
'ALSO-RAN' is hidden in the letters of 'minerals or animals'.

Can you help me to learn more?

(Other definitions for also-ran that I've seen before include "Unplaced horse" , "Race loser" , "Unplaced runner" , "Contestant losing by a large margin" , "Not placed in first three finishers" .)

I've seen this clue in the Sydney Morning Herald.
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