Stable maps between 2-spheres with a connected fold curve (Q2488028)

Let \(M\) and \(N\) be compact, oriented and connected surfaces without boundary. Let \(f:M\to N\) be a smooth stable map. The set of critical values \(\gamma \) of \(f\) is a union of finite closed curves and is called the \textit{apparent contour} of \(f\). If the curve of the fold points of \(\gamma \) is connected then \(\gamma \) is called irreducible and minimal if the number of cusps and self-intersections is minimal. The author proves that if \(f,h:S^2\to S^2\) are two stable maps which realize the minimal contour and \(degf=degh=2,\) then \(f\) and \(h\) are right-left equivalent. Also if \(f:S^2\to S^2\) is a smooth map with \(degf=2\), then the minimal contour of \(f\) has exactly four cusps and no self-intersections. This result is generalized for \(degf=d \geq 2\) and one obtains exactly \(2d\) cusps and no self-intersections