On some exceptional rational maps (Q1898239)

For \(\widehat \mathbb{C} = \mathbb{C} \cup \{\infty\}\) the Riemann sphere, \(R : \widehat \mathbb{C} \to \widehat \mathbb{C}\) a rational map of degree \(d \geq 2\), a point \(z_0\) is an \(n\)-periodic point, if \[ R^n (z_0) = R \underset \overbrace{n \text{-times}} \cdots R(z_0) = z_0 \quad \text{and} \quad R^k(z_0) \neq z_0 \text{ for } k < n. \] The set \(\{z_0, R(z_0),\dots, R^{n-1}(z_0)\}\) is called an \(n\)-periodic orbit. By a result of \textit{I. N. Baker} [J. Lond. Math. Soc. 39, 615-622 (1964; Zbl 0138.05503)], most rational maps have at least one \(n\)-periodic orbit. A rational map without this property is called ``exceptional''. In his paper [loc. cit.] I. N. Baker showed by examples that exceptional maps exist. In the paper under review, the author classifies these exceptional maps up to conjugation by Möbius transformations. Further, he gives an inequality for the number of \(n\)-periodic orbits and a lower estimate for the case \(n = p =\) prime.