Talk:Population

Open Issue: Wikipedia gives 500 - 1000 individuals to be a minimaly viable population: Minimum viable population

I was under the impression that a minimally viable gene-pool consists of 40 unrelated individuals - Jarogers2001 01:07, 21 October 2008 (UTC)

The number may depend on wether the colonists are preselected to exclude known genetic diseases and disorders. Frozen embryos could be sent with the colonists to provide added genetic diversity without the extra space (aside from refrigeration/support - still a lot less than the equivalent number of full grown humans). Aside form the outstanding moral/ethical stickiness, people may be willing to donate "extra" embryos from fertility treatments, or donate them outright. --Laertes 01:24, 21 October 2008 (UTC)