2026-07-072026-07-07http://salesiana.dossiersoluciones.com/handle/123456789/153044We study endomorphisms of a free group of finite rank by means of their action on specific sets of elements. In particular, we prove that every endomorphism of the free group of rank 2 which preserves an automorphic orbit (i.e., acts ``like an automorphism" on one particular orbit), is itself an automorphism. Then, we consider elements of a different nature, defined by means of homological properties of the corresponding one-relator group. These elements (``generalized primitive elements"), interesting in their own right, can also be used for distinguishing automorphisms among arbitrary endomorphisms.LaTex file, 9 pagesGroup Theorytext