# Genetic Bottlenecks – How Few People Can Start a World? Or Restart One? (Narration Only)

Page: https://stenobird.com/podcast/science-futurism-with-isaac-arthur-714313/genetic-bottlenecks-how-few-people-can-start-a-world-or-restart-one-narration-only
Text version: https://stenobird.com/podcast/science-futurism-with-isaac-arthur-714313/genetic-bottlenecks-how-few-people-can-start-a-world-or-restart-one-narration-only.md
Podcast: [Science & Futurism with Isaac Arthur](https://stenobird.com/podcast/science-futurism-with-isaac-arthur-714313)
Published: 2026-05-03T13:00:00+00:00
Episode link: https://rss.art19.com/episodes/487d4a4e-f93d-4a8e-a1a1-128e2f5a88e5.mp3?rss_browser=BAhJIg90cmFuc2NyaWJyBjoGRVQ%3D--952c5701c84ad333c69d5faa668f8177091704f0
Audio file: https://rss.art19.com/episodes/487d4a4e-f93d-4a8e-a1a1-128e2f5a88e5.mp3?rss_browser=BAhJIg90cmFuc2NyaWJyBjoGRVQ%3D--952c5701c84ad333c69d5faa668f8177091704f0
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Duration seconds: 1430

## Resource

When disaster leaves only a handful, can a civilization restart? We explore genetic bottlenecks, colony failure, and the limits of survival. Get Nebula using my link for 50% off an annual subscription: https://go.nebula.tv/isaacarthur Watch my exclusive video Surviving a New Ice Age: https://nebula.tv/videos/isaacarthur-surviving-a-new-ice-age Check out Practical Engineering: https://nebula.tv/practicalconstruction?ref=isaacarthur 🛒 SFIA Merchandise: https://isaac-arthur-shop.fourthwall.com/ 🌐 Visit our Website: http://www.isaacarthur.net ❤️ Support us on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/IsaacArthur ⭐ Support us on Subscribestar: https://www.subscribestar.com/isaac-arthur 👥 Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/1583992725237264/ 📣 Reddit Community: https://www.reddit.com/r/IsaacArthur/ 🐦 Follow on Twitter / X: https://twitter.com/Isaac_A_Arthur 💬 SFIA Discord Server: https://discord.gg/53GAShE Credits: Genetic Bottlenecks – How Few People Can Start a World? Or Restart One? Written, Produced & Narrated by: Isaac Arthur Select imagery/video supplied by Getty Images Chapters 0:00 Intro 10:56 Restoration 19:26 Practical Engineering See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info .

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## Transcript

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