Abstract

In this paper we analyze some particular characteristics of evo-devo scientific modeling, starting from a brief analysis of the Polypterus model, which is put forward as an explanatory model of the role of developmental plasticity in the evolutionary origin of tetrapods. Evo-devo has brought about an interesting change in the way we understand evolution and it is also posing new challenges for understanding scientific explanation, modeling, experimentation, and the ontological commitments that scientists take on when making theoretical generalizations. Specially in biology, it is necessary to take into account some relevant aspects of modeling that go beyond representation, explanation and the stress on causal relations between phenomena. We approach this type of explanation by accounting for understanding and its relationship to modeling in biology. Thus, our main aim is to elaborate some minimum criteria required to this kind of evo-devo models, so they provide us with effective understanding.