Maps from K-trivial varieties and connectedness problems (Q779673)

Let \(X\) be a normal projective variety with canonical singularities and numerically trivial canonical bundle. Suppose there exists a dominant rational map \(f\) to a variety \(Y\). Then it is very natural to ask which are the constraints on the complex structure of \(Y\). In this paper, the authors show some strong conditions in this direction in the case \(X\) is a Calabi-Yau or a Hyperkähler variety with canonical singularities. In the main result of this paper, the authors prove that, in this setting, if \(\dim(Y)<\dim(X)\) or the map \(f\) is ramified in codimension 1, then \(Y\) is rationally chain connected. This result has several consequences, for example it provides easy examples of elliptically chain connected varieties which are not elliptically connected. Then the authors look at another interesting question: under which conditions a normal projective variety which is covered by genus-one curves does contain a uniruled divisor? Recently, several authors studied related questions, providing also detailed answer to this question in various cases. However, some of the most useful tools used to face off this question are based on the techniques developed in this paper. When \(X\) is smooth the authors prove particularly useful results. For example they show that an elliptically chain connected projective manifold of dimension at least two does contain a rational curve.