The next generation of precise cosmological tests will come from large scale galaxy surveys. Interpretation of the measurements in these massive datasets will be based on decades of work spent understanding how gravity has formed and moved objects over the 13 billion years since the Cosmic Microwave Background was formed. I will describe some simple but powerful models of the structure formation process which have played an important role in preparing us for the age of precision astrophysical cosmology, emphasize how they can also be used to inform models of galaxy formation, and highlight areas where more study is needed.
Received February 4, 2008