A fascinating new dinosaur species has been identified in Mongolia. Named Duonychus tsogtbaatari, this bipedal dinosaur stands out because it has only two fingers on each hand, each ending in impressive, claw-like talons. Researchers uncovered its fossil in a sedimentary deposit known as the Bayanshiree Formation, a rich site for dinosaur discoveries, in the Gobi Desert back in 2012.
The fossils show amazing detail, particularly the keratin sheath around the claws, which suggests these talons were quite formidable, measuring nearly 30 centimeters (about 12 inches) long. This feature reveals not only the dinosaur’s appearance but also hints at its feeding habits. According to paleontologist Yoshitsugu Kobayashi from Hokkaido University, Duonychus likely used its claws to grasp and pull vegetation close to its mouth, similar to the way a sloth feeds.
This finding is particularly important because most therizinosaurs—related dinosaurs with similar features—have three functional fingers. The presence of only two fingers in Duonychus is unusual and opens new avenues for understanding how such dinosaurs evolved. As Kobayashi points out, in the dinosaur family tree, only five theropods are known to have reduced or absent fingers, and each of these changes occurred for different reasons. More research is needed to understand why Duonychus developed this unique trait.
Fossil dating places Duonychus at around 90 to 95 million years old. The study also highlights the significance of these fossils: they provide the largest three-dimensional dinosaur claws found so far, preserving both the claws and their keratin sheaths. This preservation is rare; most dinosaur claws found are just the bony cores since keratin, the material that makes up claws and fingernails, typically don’t fossilize well.
The discovery of Duonychus is creating a buzz within the science community. It brings new insights into the adaptability and evolution of therizinosaurs during the Cretaceous period. Experts believe that the unique claw structure could have had several functions beyond feeding—potentially for defense, courtship, or even social interactions.
For those interested in diving deeper, more information about this remarkable find can be read in the study published in iScience. The evolving landscape of paleontology continues to unravel the mysteries of these ancient creatures, providing a window into a world that existed millions of years ago.
For further detailed reading, check out the original study here: iScience.
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