Hyperbolic hydra. (Q2637230)

A previous contribution of \textit{T. R. Riley} and \textit{W. Dison} on the same topic can be found in [Comment. Math. Helv. 88, No. 3, 507-540 (2013; Zbl 1305.20052)]. The present paper deals with another interesting aspect of Hydra groups. Specifically, the authors prove that: Theorem 1.1. There are hyperbolic groups \(\Gamma_k\) for all \(k\geq 1\) with free rank \((k+18)\) subgroups \(\Lambda_k\) whose distortion satisfies \(\mathrm{Dist}^{\Gamma_k}_{\Lambda_k}\geq A_k\), that is, grows at least like the \(k\)-th Ackermann function \(A_k\). This is the first time that we may note the above lower bound for the subgroup distortion of hyperbolic groups of large free rank.