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Modelling Evolution

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  22 September 2025

Walter Veit
Affiliation:
University of Reading and Ludwig-Maximilians-Universität München

Summary

This Element discusses the central role of models within evolutionary biology, offering an accessible introduction and synthesis of literature in both evolutionary biology and the philosophy of models. We will examine three questions: first, what does it mean to be a 'model' and to engage in 'modelling'? Second, what types of models are employed within evolutionary biology? Third, how can models of evolution be tested? In exploring the answers to these questions, this Element hopes to highlight how evolutionary biology and philosophy of biology can usefully interact to understand conceptual and methodological problems arising from modelling evolution.
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Modelling Evolution
  • Walter Veit, University of Reading and Ludwig-Maximilians-Universität München
  • Online ISBN: 9781009459983
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Modelling Evolution
  • Walter Veit, University of Reading and Ludwig-Maximilians-Universität München
  • Online ISBN: 9781009459983
Available formats
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Modelling Evolution
  • Walter Veit, University of Reading and Ludwig-Maximilians-Universität München
  • Online ISBN: 9781009459983
Available formats
×