Abstract
A class of simple models is developed in which the rate of galaxy mergers drives the evolution of infrared galaxies. SIRTF galaxy counts will constrain these models and may provide physical insights beyond earlier density and luminosity evolution models. The premise is that Press-Schechter structure formation drives density evolution, which in turn drives luminosity evolution. An overview is given of the astrophysics toolbox that mediates this formalism and the observations, including starburst fading, active galactic nuclei, and dust. Application to the MIPS (Multiband Imaging Photometer for SIRTF) bandpasses is illustrated here.
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