The galaxies in the Local Group are in constant gravitational interaction with each other and with other nearby groups of galaxies.

When galaxies interact, they exchange matter and can merge to form larger structures. Within our Local Group, larger galaxies are cannibalizing the smaller ones—as is the case of the Milky Way and its system of irregular dwarf galaxies. In addition, the Milky Way and Andromeda will likely collide and merge with each other in the distant future, forming a giant elliptical galaxy.

These types of interactions will continue to change the structure of the Local Group, and the Local Group itself will eventually be pulled in by the nearest large group of galaxies, the Virgo Cluster, and merge into it.