#Genetic diversity

Around 900,000 years ago, human ancestors in Africa experienced a drastic population bottleneck, dwindling to just 1,280 breeding individuals. This decline, predating Homo sapiens, lasted for 117,000 years. Researchers used advanced genetic methods to unveil this previously unknown period in human evolution, suggesting it played a crucial role in shaping genetic diversity and key human features. While the reasons behind this bottleneck remain unclear, its impact on human evolution is significant. Some argue it was a global event, but others propose a regional perspective, highlighting the need for additional archaeological and fossil evidence.