- Kampakoglou et al.
- http://arxiv.org/abs/0709.1104
- Statistical model to predict/fit the star formation history of the universe. Hierarchical formation through merging seems to be favoured but not enough to exclude the monolithic scenario. Outflow models and dust are critical.
My impression is that the two priciple modes of galaxy formation seem to be subject to fashion among astronomers. While monolithic has been favoured in the early days of extragalacitc astronomy, the hierarchical formation was preferred until lately when it was realised that the former probably also plays a role.