Two-Clawed Dinosaur Species Discovered in Mongolia's Gobi Desert

A new species of dinosaur has been discovered in Mongolia's Gobi Desert, shedding light on the diversity of these ancient creatures. Named Duonychus tsogtbaatari, this dinosaur belongs to the therizinosaur group and possesses two foot-long clawed fingers on each hand. This finding adds to our understanding of the physical adaptations and evolutionary changes that occurred in these reptiles.

Discovering Duonychus tsogtbaatari

The duel-clawed Duonychus tsogtbaatari was unearthed from the Bayanshiree Formation, a site known for its exceptional diversity of therizinosaurs and dating back 90 million years. The fossil, a partial skeleton lacking a skull and legs, displayed extraordinarily preserved hands, offering valuable insights into the anatomy of this species. The discovery was made by researchers from the Mongolian Academy of Sciences' Institute of Paleontology.

Physical Characteristics and Behavior

Duonychus tsogtbaatari stood approximately 10 feet tall and weighed around 570 pounds. This dinosaur, like its therizinosaur relatives, possessed features that suggest a herbivorous diet, including huge claws likely used to strip leaves from trees and leaf-shaped teeth. Interestingly, despite its two claws, researchers argue that were effective at grasping branches and vegetation up to 5 inches in diameter. These adaptations provide valuable insights into the ecological role and behavior of Duonychus tsogtbaatari.

Significance of the Discovery

Michael Benton, a professor of vertebrate palaeontology at the University of Bristol, emphasizes the significance of this discovery. He notes that while most dinosaurs had three fingers, the evolution of Duonychus tsogtbaatari with two claws is an intriguing departure from the norm. This diversity in digit number suggests the remarkable evolutionary adaptability of dinosaurs in different environmental contexts, showcasing their varied shapes and functions.

Current Understanding and Future Prospects

The discovery of Duonychus tsogtbaatari adds to the already rich fossil record of therizinosaurs, particularly in eastern Asia, including Mongolia and China. The findings not only contribute to our knowledge of the physical characteristics and adaptations of this particular species but also deepen our understanding of the broader evolutionary trends within the therizinosaur group. Furthermore, the Mongolian Gobi Desert, recognized by UNESCO as the world’s largest dinosaur fossil reservoir, continues to be a crucial site for paleontological research, promising future discoveries that may further illuminate the diversity and evolution of these prehistoric reptiles.