Subscribe now

Puzzle #251: Has an island nation solved its skewed sex ratio dilemma?

Can you solve this week’s logic puzzle, Children of Quirkopia? Plus the answer to puzzle #250

6 December 2023

#251 Children of Quirkopia

Set by Zoe Mensch

For an inexplicable reason, the population on the island of Quirkopia had always been split 75 per cent male and 25 per cent female. Maybe it is genetic, or maybe it is something in the water. Anyway, the new president of the island believed something should be done about it, so she decided to implement a new family planning policy.

From then on, families were allowed to have as many children as they wanted until they had a boy, at which point they had to stop. There was no obligation to keep…

Sign up to our weekly newsletter

Receive a weekly dose of discovery in your inbox! We'll also keep you up to date with New Scientist events and special offers.

Sign up

To continue reading, subscribe today with our introductory offers

View introductory offers

No commitment, cancel anytime*

Offer ends 2nd of July 2024.

*Cancel anytime within 14 days of payment to receive a refund on unserved issues.

Inclusive of applicable taxes (VAT)

or

Existing subscribers

Sign in to your account