Science Question

"The issue: the idea that human evolution was triggered by an aquatic phase is widely supported and discussed outside the mainstream of paleoanthropology, but is dismissed by most scientists working in the field. How do we determine what models are reasonable and plausible, and which ones are worthy of serious scientific study?"

- from Principles of Human Evolution - Roger Lewin & Robert Foley, Oxford, Blackwells, 2003

£500 PRIZE for the best response to this question in under 2,500 words by a student in the UK

Sponsored by Eildon Press

Rules:

1. The best response will be chosen by Robert Foley, Leverhulme Professor of Human Evolution at Cambridge University, whose decision will be final.

2. Only entries from students at a UK academic institution will be eligible for the prize, though other entries will be considered for publication (see 5 below).

3. All entries to be submitted by email to entries@the-Foley-question.org.uk by 30th November 2008. Please submit your name and institution separately from the text of your reply which can then be forwarded anonymously to Prof. Foley.

4. The winning entry will be published in the New Scientist [to be confirmed], and the student author will receive £500.

5. If sufficient entries of quality are submitted they will be published in book form by Eildon Press in 2009, the year of Darwin's bicentenary.

Any queries may be addressed to dm@the-Foley-question.org.uk

"Scientists and educators need to help people understand what constitutes scientific thinking." - New Scientist editorial, 12 July 2008