“The common view is that the population before the Flood was quite small and that its geographical distribution was limited to a comparatively small area. Or, as one learned author says: ‘It would be highly unreasonable to suppose that mankind had so increased before the deluge as to have penetrated to all corners of the earth. It is indeed not probable that they had extended themselves beyond the limits of Syria and Mesopotamia.’

And yet, even in our age, 1656 years is sufficient for the human race to grow to an enormous population. To this must be added that conditions then were much more favorable for propagation than in the present world. Original man was endowed with far greater vitality of body and mind than now. This can be inferred from the great age to which he lived. And from this it would also necessarily follow that the antediluvians were far more prolific than man is in his present state. Add to this the climatic conditions, the fact that food supplies were far more plentiful and accessible for all, that a world of virgin soil and unlimited riches beckoned man to take possession, and you have the most ideal conditions for the rapid growth of population.” (Alfred Rehwinkel, The Flood, 1951, p.25-26)