Chemical evolution of irregular galaxies

Abstract

The state-of-the-art of chemical evolution models for Irregular and Blue Compact galaxies is reviewed. The resulting scenarios for the initial mass function, the regime of star formation and the efficiency of gas outflows are described: The IMF appears to be roughly the same everywhere; the SF has possibly followed a bursting regime in BCGs and a more continuous regime in Irregulars, but with significant exceptions; galactic winds must occur in some of these galaxies, with efficiencies inversely proportional to the galaxy potential well.