Did you know? 🧐
There is scientific evidence suggesting that early humans may have come close to extinction around 800,000 years ago.
Here's what researchers have found:
In 2023, a study published in the journal Science analyzed genetic data from modern humans and found a severe population bottleneck between 800,000 and 900,000 years ago.
During this time, the human ancestral population may have dropped to as few as 1,280 breeding individuals.
The bottleneck is believed to have lasted for about 117,000 years, which could have had major impacts on genetic diversity.
Possible reasons for the decline:
Severe climate change during the mid-Pleistocene transition.
Volcanic eruptions, glaciations, or long droughts.
Competition with other species or lack of resources.
Why it matters:
This bottleneck might explain a gap in the fossil record and reduced genetic diversity in some parts of the human genome.
It could also have influenced the evolution of Homo heidelbergensis, a key ancestor of both Neanderthals and modern humans.
So yes, while not "vanishing" completely, our ancestors came alarmingly close to extinction during that time.
