A recent study utilizing a new genetic analysis model indicates that human ancestors experienced a significant population bottleneck, reducing their numbers to approximately 1,280 breeding individuals between 930,000 and 813,000 years ago. This decline, lasting around 117,000 years, aligns with major climate changes and a notable gap in the fossil record. The model, which analyzed genomes from over 3,000 present-day humans, suggests that this bottleneck may have contributed to speciation events. However, uncertainties remain regarding the accuracy of the population estimate, as it reflects only those individuals who contributed genetically to modern humans. The findings do not correlate with global population changes and may indicate a localized event affecting African populations specifically. The discussion raises questions about the implications of this bottleneck on interbreeding with other hominins and the potential for genetic changes that could have led to speciation.