The two factors most likely to affect whether a galaxy will evolve by merging with a second galaxy are:
-
its size compared to that of the other galaxy - The relative sizes of the galaxies can influence their gravitational interaction and likelihood of merging.
-
its distance from the other galaxy - The distance between galaxies can determine the gravitational influence each galaxy has on the other, affecting the likelihood of a merger.
Age and gas proportion are less directly related to the merger process itself, although they can influence the subsequent evolution of the galaxies after a merger occurs.
1 answer