Analysis of Star Formation Rate Variations in the Interstellar Medium Influenced by Stellar Generations and Metallicity

This thesis investigates the chemical evolution of early stellar populations, focusing on the metallicity of mixed remnants from first and second-generation stars. Through quantitative calculations, we demonstrate that even with a substantial contribution of metal-free ejecta from Population III supernovae, the resulting mixed interstellar medium retains a low metallicity characteristic of Population II star formation environments. This finding supports the classification of stars forming from such mixed material as second-generation, furthering our understanding of the transition from primordial star formation to the metal-enriched stellar populations observed in the Universe today. Our analysis draws upon established literature values for stellar population metallicities and star formation contexts to provide a robust framework for interpreting these evolutionary processes.