Summary:
- The study found that Ashkenazi Jews, who make up the majority of the world's Jewish population, descended from a founding population of just 350 people who lived about 600-800 years ago.
- The researchers analyzed genetic data from thousands of Ashkenazi Jews and found that their genetic diversity is much lower than that of other human populations, indicating a severe bottleneck in their history.
- The study suggests that the Ashkenazi Jewish population went through a major demographic event, such as a founder effect or a severe population decline, that led to their limited genetic diversity.