Population collapse almost wiped out human ancestors, say scientists - eviltoast
Genomics analysis indicates that at least 800,000 years ago breeding individuals sank to as few as 1,300

The decline appears to coincide with significant changes in global climate that turned glaciations into long-term events, a decrease in sea surface temperatures, and a possible long period of drought in Africa and Eurasia. The team behind the work said the time window also coincides with a relatively empty period on the fossil record.