Question from /sci/:
what is the smaller number of people necessary (male / female) required to create a stable genictic base for a civilization to grow from?
planned breeding programs considered
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Population_bottleneck
As can be seen from the examples. Extremely small bottlenecks are possible without being extinct. However, this says nothing about the probability of being extinct given a small bottleneck. I’m not a geneticist, but I’d guess that around 1000 would be fine for humans. Especially with eugenic forces in mind. In fact, with those to help, it should be possible with rather few individuals. Perhaps 100.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Minimum_viable_population
Since humans are very much K-strategists, perhaps the estimate has to be increased. It depends upon how much eugenics we use and what kind.
