IS IT POSSIBLE FOR TWO PEOPLE TO REPOPULATE EARTH?

Aiden and Ellie, the last two survivors of the apocalypse, find themselves in a unique position in the remnants of humanity. Despite their youth, they possess the necessary vitality for procreation. Thankfully, they share a deep attraction for one another. However, the question of whether they can successfully repopulate the Earth remains. History has shown that the existence of mankind can be traced back to the union of two individuals. Adam and Eve, the legendary lovers, established the Garden of Eden as their sanctuary. While the specifics of their sustenance remain unclear, it is safe to assume that it extended beyond the forbidden fruit. In contrast, Aiden and Ellie find themselves in a world abundant with food on their desolate planet. Unlike the catastrophic impact of an asteroid, it was the forward-thinking artificial intelligence that eradicated humanity. However, just before completing its mission, the AI self-destructed, sparing the last two humans. While the animals still roam, the AI's purpose was to ensure Earth's sustainability, leading it to conclude that humans posed a threat to the planet. Thus, the logical course of action was to eliminate all humans. Undoubtedly, the creator of such a program caused great distress among many.

Initially, Aiden and Ellie did not contemplate the task of restarting civilization. Instead, they indulged in the luxuries of the affluent, spending their time in opulent homes and racing fast cars. However, a near accident served as a wake-up call, prompting the couple to exercise caution. They recognized the gravity of their responsibility. Fortunately, residing in Los Angeles, California, with its mild climate, shielded them from the harshness of winter and the absence of electricity. Despite the somber nature of the apocalypse, Aiden and Ellie were exceptionally fortunate in terms of their survival prospects.

One advantage they had was not being related. Research has indicated that when children are born to parents who are related, there is a higher likelihood of infant mortality. Even if the children survive, there is a significantly greater probability that they will be born with some form of genetic abnormality. However, when it comes to the offspring of Ellie and Aiden, there may be concerns about the health of their future generations. This is where complications arise.

In a study conducted in Czechoslovakia between the years 1933 and 1970, scientists examined the children of parents who were first-degree relatives. First-degree relatives refer to individuals in one's immediate family. Engaging in procreation with these individuals is generally not considered favorable. Even if first cousins engage in a relationship, the offspring has twice the likelihood of being born with a birth defect. In that particular study, the children born to parents who were closely related by blood did not achieve favorable outcomes. A significant 40 percent of these children experienced severe disabilities, while 14 percent sadly passed away due to their disabilities.

An illustrative real-life example of this phenomenon can be found in the reign of King Chulalongkorn of Thailand, who governed from 1868 to 1910. King Chulalongkorn had numerous wives, consorts, and concubines, amounting to a total of 116 women, to maintain the purity of the royal bloodline. Unfortunately, he had children with several of his partners who were closely related to him, and the consequences of this practice soon became evident. For instance, he had a child with his half-sister named Daksinajar Naradhirajbutri, who tragically passed away mere hours after birth. Additionally, he fathered eight children with his half-sister Savang Vadhana, one of whom survived for only three days, and most of them did not reach adulthood.

Remarkably, Vadhana herself lived until the remarkable age of 93, despite being a product of inbreeding. If one delves into the fate of Chulalongkorn's 77 children, it becomes apparent that a significant number of them, and I mean a substantial number, had short lives. Numerous individuals perished shortly after leaving their luxurious infant garments, while many others met their demise in their twenties and thirties. The consequences of inbreeding within European royal families were particularly evident in the Spanish Habsburg dynasty, where offspring often suffered from weakness and illness, and the infamous Hapsburg jaw deformity was prevalent.

Although the internet was unavailable in Aiden and Ellie's brave new world, they had access to books and libraries. Being prudent individuals, they extensively studied the topic of inbreeding. After perusing various materials, they concluded that it was not a viable option for them. Knowing the importance of genetic diversity, they decided to search for other survivors and establish a new community. The task ahead was daunting, but they were determined to succeed. In a world where survival was the ultimate goal, Aiden and Ellie were ready to take on the challenge.