Merger Trees

Merger trees are diagrams that show the history of how smaller structures, like galaxies or dark matter halos, combine over time to form larger ones. They trace the lineage of these objects, illustrating which smaller units merged to create new, more massive systems. Think of them as family trees for galaxies, helping scientists understand their growth and evolution in the universe. These trees are built using computer models and simulations, providing a visual and analytical way to study cosmic development across billions of years.