Around 800,000 years ago, humanity faced near extinction as 99% of the population vanished, leaving only about 1,280 breeding individuals to rebuild our species.
Scientists uncovered this dramatic event using advanced genetic analysis with a model called FitCoal, which revealed a severe population bottleneck aligning with gaps in the fossil record.
Climate shifts, extreme cooling, and prolonged droughts contributed to this crisis, forcing early humans to adapt by developing new survival strategies, social structures, and technological advancements like fire control.
This near-extinction event ultimately shaped human evolution, highlighting the importance of adaptability, cooperation, and innovation in overcoming environmental challenges.
