Short: Why Did the Genus Homo Nearly Go Extinct 900,000 Years Ago?

Image description: Artistic representation of a Homo erectus, one of the species of the genus Homo that nearly went extinct around 900,000 years ago. Image source: Astronoo AI.

The Critical Period

Around 900,000 years ago, the genus Homo nearly went extinct, dropping from 100,000 to only 1,000 to 1,500 individuals. This drastic decline occurred between 930,000 and 813,000 years ago and lasted nearly 120,000 years.

Factors Contributing to Near-Extinction

Several factors contributed to this near-extinction:

• Climatic Changes: Climatic fluctuations impacted available resources.
• Competition with Other Species: Competition for resources with other animal species played a crucial role.
• Diseases and Epidemics: Diseases likely decimated some human populations.
• Natural Disasters: Volcanic eruptions and other natural disasters devastated entire habitats.

Adaptations and Survival

Despite these challenges, the genus Homo survived thanks to several key adaptations:

• Use of Tools: Stone and wooden tools improved early humans' diet.
• Social Cooperation: Cooperation within human groups was essential for survival.
• Migration: Migration to more favorable environments allowed populations to find new food sources.
• Use of Fire: Evidence of fire control appears around 800,000 years ago.

Evolutionary Consequences

This period left indelible marks on our genome, reducing genetic diversity by 65.85%. Surviving populations developed adaptive traits that enhanced their resilience, ultimately leading to the emergence of Homo sapiens.

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