Early-type dwarf galaxies in clusters: a mixed bag with various origins?

Abstract

The formation of early-type dwarf (dE) galaxies, the most numerous objects in clusters, is believed to be closely connected to the physical processes that drive galaxy cluster evolution, like galaxy harassment and ram-pressure stripping. However, the actual significance of each mechanism for building the observed cluster dE population is yet unknown. Several distinct dE subclasses were identified, which show significant differences in their shape, stellar content, and distribution within the cluster. Does this diversity imply that dEs originate from various formation channels? Does "cosmological" formation play a role as well? I try to touch on these questions in this brief overview of dEs in galaxy clusters.