In parameter slices of quadratic rational functions, we identify arcs represented by matings of quadratic polynomials. These arcs are on the boundaries of hyperbolic components.

We study the combinatorics of distance doubling maps on the circle ℝ/ℤ with prototypes h(β) = 2β mod 1 and h̅(β) = -2β mod 1, representing the orientation preserving and orientation reversing case, respectively. In particular, we identify parts of the circle where the iterates $f^{\circ n}$ of a distance doubling map f exhibit “distance doubling behavior”. The results include well known statements for h related to the structure of the Mandelbrot set M. For h̅ they suggest some analogies to the structure of...