Researchers uncover unique two-clawed dinosaur in Mongolia

In the Gobi Desert of Mongolia, a new dinosaur species named Duonychus tsogtbaatari was discovered, contributing significantly to our understanding of therizinosaurs. This dinosaur, which had two long-clawed fingers on each hand, presents a unique adaptation within its family, reducing the number of claws compared to similar species. Standing approximately 10 feet tall and weighing around 570 pounds, Duonychus lived during the Cretaceous Period, about 90 million years ago. Researchers from the Mongolian Academy of Sciences excavated the fossil in 2012 within the Bayanshiree Formation, an area noted for its rich diversity in therizinosaur fossils. The discovery of Duonychus provides essential insights into the evolutionary traits of therizinosaurs. These dinosaurs were known for their enormous claws, which were used to grasp and consume foliage from plants. Unlike many theropods, which were primarily carnivorous, therizinosaurs, including Duonychus, were herbivores, feeding mainly on leaves and vegetation. The features of this dinosaur, such as its leaf-shaped teeth and long neck, align with adaptations that facilitated its herbivorous diet and highlighted its distinct position within the theropod group. This finding not only uncovers the diversity of dinosaur types but also showcases the varying adaptations that occurred over millions of years. Moreover, the reasoning behind the reduction of claws from five to two in Duonychus is particularly noteworthy. Some experts assert that the evolution of fewer claws may have provided advantages in grasping branches, suggesting that the traditional three-finger model typically seen in theropods may not always be the most effective. Researchers Michael Benton, who commented on the significance of these findings, noted the wonderful diversity of shapes and functions found within dinosaur lineages. This evolutionary flexibility underlines the adaptability of dinosaurs to their environments over time and enriches our understanding of their ecological roles during the Cretaceous Period. The fossil remains of Duonychus are especially valuable due to their exceptional preservation, despite the specimen being a partial skeleton without a skull and legs. This level of preservation can shed light on the physical characteristics of these creatures and offer deeper insights into their behavior and physiology. With fossil records in Mongolia and China proving rich in diversity for therizinosaurs, ongoing research may continue to uncover new species and further elaborate on the complexity of these fascinating creatures and their ecosystems.