Clones with finitely many relative \({\mathcal R}\)-classes (Q535115)

Equivalence of (finitary) operations with respect to clones generalizes Green's relation on transformation monoids. A previous paper of the authors [Discrete Math. 309, No. 4, 673--685 (2009; Zbl 1168.08003)] was dedicated to the case of so-called discriminator clones. The present effort concerns the question as to what clones admit only finitely many nonequivalent operations (property F). Since equivalent operations have the same range, only finite universes need to be considered. If \(E\) is a collection of equivalence relations on a finite set \(A\), then the clone of all operations on \(A\) that are compatible with each relation from \(E\) has property F if and only if \(E\) is a chain with respect to inclusion. Maximal clones are distinguished with regard to property F and it is determined when the intersection of two maximal clones having poperty F also has property F.