“Discover the Fascinating New Dinosaur Species That Resembles Prehistoric ‘Edward Scissorhands'” | CNN

A recently uncovered dinosaur species called Duonychus tsogtbaatari has taken the paleontology world by surprise. This dinosaur was found in Mongolia’s Gobi Desert and looks like a strange blend of a sloth, a giraffe, and a character straight out of a movie—Edward Scissorhands. Imagine claws that could rival BBQ tongs!

Scientists discovered the fossilized remains, which included an intact keratin sheath. Keratin is the same material found in our nails. According to Darla Zelenitsky, a paleontologist at the University of Calgary, this claw is enormous—almost a foot long. It’s the largest preserved dinosaur claw with such a sheath, making this find particularly exciting.

Giving it the name Duonychus, which means “two claws” in Greek, the dinosaur was about 10 feet tall and weighed around 573 pounds. It likely used its curved claws to reach for plants and grasp tree branches. Being herbivores, therizinosaurs like Duonychus differ significantly from their carnivorous dinosaur relatives, such as Tyrannosaurus rex.

Paleontologists also found parts of the dinosaur’s backbone, tail, and limbs. This species may have used its unique two-fingered hands not just for eating but also for display or defense. Zelenitsky mentioned that while they were not predators, those sharp claws certainly provided some protection against threats.

The research highlights the diverse evolutionary steps among dinosaurs. For example, most therizinosaurs were known for having long claws to help them grip and manipulate vegetation—hence the comparison to the fictional Edward Scissorhands. In a world of predators and prey, it’s fascinating to see such unique adaptations for survival in a plant-eating dinosaur.

David Hone, a paleontologist and expert in dinosaur behavior, remarked on the significance of finding such well-preserved fossils. Typically, the keratin doesn’t survive well in the fossil record, making this discovery particularly remarkable. It helps scientists better understand the relationship between the claws and the bones beneath.

Steve Brusatte, another paleontologist, pointed out that while most two-fingered dinosaurs didn’t have a use for their small arms, Duonychus likely integrated its unique limbs into its feeding strategy. This highlights the adaptability of dinosaurs in varying ecological niches.

Another interesting point is that fossils from the Gobi Desert often reveal new species, showcasing a rich landscape of ancient life. Recent trends in social media have sparked renewed interest in paleontology. Many users share discoveries from the field, fueling curiosity about creatures like Duonychus.

In summary, the Duonychus tsogtbaatari shows that evolution took different paths, leading to breathtaking diversity in the dinosaur world. As researchers continue to unveil these ancient secrets, we can only imagine what other remarkable species remain buried in the earth.

Source link