A significant paleontological discovery has emerged from a building site in Mongolia, unveiling a new dinosaur species with the largest fully preserved claw ever identified. This bipedal, herbivorous dinosaur, named Duonychus tsogtbaatari, boasted only two fingers on each hand, potentially aiding in grasping branches for feeding.
The fossil, dating back approximately 90 million years, comprises parts of the pelvis, arms, hands, and several vertebrae. It was discovered in 2012 near Khanbogd in the Gobi Desert but has only now undergone in-depth study. The name Duonychus translates to “two claws,” while the species name honors a notable Mongolian paleontologist.
Duonychus is a smaller relative of the well-known Therizinosaurus, seen in popular media. Estimates suggest this dinosaur reached around 3 meters in length and weighed close to 270 kilograms.
Researchers highlight the remarkable nature of this discovery, emphasizing that Duonychus tsogtbaatari is the first known therizinosaur featuring only two functional fingers. This finding challenges previous assumptions about the evolutionary path of theropods, as most related species retained three functional digits.
Interestingly, the claws of Duonychus measure nearly 30 centimeters in length, with preserved claw sheaths made of keratin—the same substance found in human fingernails. This preservation is exceptionally rare, as keratin typically decays before it can fossilize.
Scientists believe the unique two-fingered structure was an adaptation for efficiently grasping and pulling down vegetation. The fewer fingers may have resulted in stronger and more flexible digits, allowing for a tighter grip on branches and leaves, making feeding more effective.
Overall, this finding of Duonychus tsogtbaatari not only enriches our knowledge of dinosaur evolution but also presents intriguing insights into how these creatures interacted with their environment.
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