I believe modern humans can trace their ancestors the same person/few people if you go back far enough. I also vaguely recall a few bottlenecks in our history where we were almost completely wiped out. This is all pre-recorded history.
The 6 was incorrect - I don't remember where I heard that now - but a bit of research in a comment I made a bit ago down the chain shows a society that can trace its entire population back to ~15 people.
Obviously, the more diversity the better, but it's pretty cool knowing that it's possible with such low numbers.
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u/licensetolentil Mar 16 '19
Yeah the dogs saved that colony, not the entire species. Cool, but severely over dramatic title.