JWST PRIMER: Post-starburst galaxies dominate the low-mass quiescent galaxy population since z ~ 2
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ID: 324191
2026
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Abstract
Abstract We present the evolution of the stellar mass functions for photometrically-selected star-forming, passive and post-starburst galaxies, based on JWST PRIMER observations of the Ultra-Deep Survey (UDS) field. We identify over 800 post-starburst galaxies within the redshift range 0.5 < z < 3.0. We confirm the presence of a low-mass upturn in the quenched galaxy mass function at log (M*/M⊙) < 10 out to z ~ 2, and show it is primarily driven by post-starburst galaxies. These findings imply that a rapid quenching pathway for low-mass galaxies is already active by z ~ 2, which may be linked to environmental processes. If we assume that all post-starburst galaxies evolve into passive galaxies, adopting a typical visibility time for the post-starburst phase, we find a significant overprediction of low-mass passive galaxies at later times. We suggest a variety of factors that could contribute to reconciling this tension. If low-mass ($M_{\ast } \lesssim 10^{10}\, \mathrm{{\rm M}_{\odot }}$) post-starburst galaxies quench through slower channels than high-mass systems then the post-starburst phase may be visible for longer periods, reducing their contribution to the passive population. However, the maximum realistic visibility timescale cannot account for all of the excess. We propose that additional factors inhibit the build-up of the low-mass passive galaxy mass function. These galaxies may be removed through mergers or tidal disruption, rejuvenate and return to the star-forming population, or represent systems observed during a dormant phase of stochastic star formation. We conclude that the emergence of the low-mass quenched population is likely governed by a complex interplay of processes, and cannot be explained by simple one-way evolutionary pathways.
| Reference Key |
openalex_W7201838255
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| Authors | Thomas de Lisle, David T. Maltby, O. Almaini, Vivienne Wild, Elizabeth Taylor, Kate Rowlands, Guillaume Hewitt, Maya Skarbinski, James S Dunlop, Adam C. Carnall, Anton M. Koekemoer, Norman A. Grogin, D J McLeod |
| Journal | monthly notices of the royal astronomical society |
| Year | 2026 |
| DOI |
10.1093/mnras/stag1496
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| URL | |
| Keywords | Keywords not found |
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