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Interesting indeed. Galactic cannibalism and merges are entirely feasible and evident throughout the Virgo Supercluster e.g. NGC 4038 and 4039 in Corvus. The Andromeda and Milky Way galaxies are projected to collide in a few billion years.
Computer simulations are becoming an increasingly useful method of studying the outcomes of complex physical and often random interactions. What gives the model credence is that the outcome can match the observed result, in this case many of the features of the Andromeda Galaxy. Many physical interactions have not been observed and simulations provide the only insight into the possible method of formation e.g. the mechanism of merger of two orbiting black holes.
Regards, Rob
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