Galaxy Zoo: major galaxy mergers are not a significant quenching pathway

摘要: We use stellar mass functions to study the properties and significance of quenching through major galaxy mergers. In addition SDSS DR7 Galaxy Zoo 1 data, we samples visually selected mergers post-merger galaxies. determine stages that would expect major-merger-quenched galaxies pass on their way from blue cloud red sequence: (1) merger, (2) post-merger, (3) early type, (4) green (5) type. Based similar function shapes, conclude are likely form an evolutionary sequence star formation quiescence via quenching. Relative all galaxies, major-merger fraction increases as a mass. Major-merger is inconsistent with environment model. At z ~ 0, unlikely constitute majority transition valley. Furthermore, between -0 0.5, account for 1%–5% quenched at given Major therefore not significant pathway, neither 0 nor within last 5 Gyr. The must have been alternative mechanism causes slow evolution.