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Published online by Cambridge University Press: 25 May 2016
We will review the most popular models for the chemical evolution of some starburst galaxies, in particular dwarf irregular galaxies. These galaxies are relatively simple and unevolved objects with low metallicities and large gas contents, suggesting that they are either young or have undergone discontinuous star formation activity. Some dwarf irregulars are starburst galaxies currently experiencing an intense star formation event and they are known as blue compact galaxies or extragalactic H II regions. We will discuss the effects of the presence of dark matter halos together with stellar energetics (stellar winds and supernovae) on the development of a galactic wind in these systems. Particular emphasis will be given to the role of massive stars in driving the thermal and chemical evolution of the gas, in particular to type II supernovae. A comparison between different model predictions for abundances and abundance ratios will be used to impose constraints on the star formation history and on the amount of dark matter, which we found to be extremely important in these systems.