On an aparently simple modelling problem in biology

A fundamental construct of scientific reasoning is a model. This paper illustrates the importance of modelling when making inferences about biological systems. A simple task is described (which the reader is encouraged to try) and some of the types of answers that can be produced are discussed. Following on from this a number of teaching strategies are described which can help students clarify the models they should apply to open system problems. The paper concludes with a selective discussion on the nature of the inferential relation as it is applied to the interpretation, modelling and inference strategies associated with certain aspects of biosystem understanding. (Autorenreferat).