Nonanomalous discrete R symmetry decrees three generations

We show that more than two generations of quarks and leptons are required to have an anomaly free discrete R symmetry larger than R parity, provided that the supersymmetric standard model can be minimally embedded into a grand unified theory. This connects an explanation for the number of generations with seemingly unrelated problems such as supersymmetry breaking, proton decay, the μ problem, and the cosmological constant through a discrete R symmetry. We also show that three generations is uniquely required by a nonanomalous discrete R symmetry in classes of grand unified theories such as the ones based on (semi)simple gauge groups.