Modeling and Simulation in Evo-Devo

Modeling and simulation are increasingly important as tools in many scientific disciplines. Our aim in this chapter is to outline some key aspects of modeling, illustrating our discussion with examples from evo-devo and emphasizing features of particular relevance to the discipline. We begin by characterizing modeling as a distinctive two-step theoretical strategy in science. Then we highlight the role of the modeler’s aims in assessing a model, distinguish two types of progress in a modeling tradition, and outline the influential idea of trade-offs in modeling. Last, we focus on modeling as a way to clarify the link between evolution and development.