  We present the results of high spatial resolution HI synthesis observations
of six blue compact dwarf (BCD) galaxies. Optically, the selected galaxies have
smooth, symmetric isophotes, and thus are the most likely of the BCD class to
fade into an object morphologically similar to a dwarf elliptical when the
current starburst ends. The neutral gas in all six galaxies appears to be
rotationally supported, however, indicating that true morphological
transformation from a BCD to a dE will require significant loss of angular
momentum. Based on the observed neutral gas dynamics of these and other BCDs,
it is unlikely that present-day BCDs will evolve directly into dwarf
ellipticals after a starburst phase. We discuss alternative evolutionary
scenarios for BCDs and place them within the larger context of galaxy formation
and evolution models.

Astrophysics