The nature of open star clusters in the Galaxy

Based on our compiled catalogue of fundamental astrophysical parameters for 593 open clusters, we analyze the relations between the chemical composition, spatial positions, Galactic orbital elements, and age of open star clusters. Distinctions of the chemical and kinematical properties of the open clusters and field thin-disk stars are shown. We provide evidence for the heterogeneity of the population of open star clusters, which demonstrates the diversity of reasons of their birth, including under the influence of extragalactic objects.