How does galaxy composition typically relate to the age of the stars in the galaxy?(1 point)

Question

Responses

Star formation consumes dust and gas, so galaxies where stars are oldest typically consist of higher proportions of dust and gas than other galaxies.
Star formation consumes dust and gas, so galaxies where stars are oldest typically consist of higher proportions of dust and gas than other galaxies.

Stars form from dust and gas, so galaxies with younger stars typically consist of higher proportions of dust and gas than other galaxies.
Stars form from dust and gas, so galaxies with younger stars typically consist of higher proportions of dust and gas than other galaxies.

Star formation and the presence of young stars is common across galaxies, regardless of the proportions of dust and gas present.
Star formation and the presence of young stars is common across galaxies, regardless of the proportions of dust and gas present.

Star aging emits gas and dust, so galaxies with the youngest stars typically have the lowest proportions of dust and gas.
Star aging emits gas and dust, so galaxies with the youngest stars typically have the lowest proportions of dust and gas.

Answer 1

The correct response is:

Stars form from dust and gas, so galaxies with younger stars typically consist of higher proportions of dust and gas than other galaxies.

This statement accurately reflects the relationship between star formation and the composition of a galaxy. Young stars form from the available dust and gas in a galaxy, leading to a higher proportion of these materials in galaxies that have had recent or ongoing star formation. As stars age and eventually die, they can return some material back to the interstellar medium, but overall, galaxies that host younger stars retain more dust and gas for ongoing star formation.