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A new dinosaur species, Duonychus tsogtbaatari, has been discovered in Mongolia's Gobi Desert. The dinosaur, part of the therizinosaur group, was notable for its two gigantic claws on each arm. According to a study published in the journal iScience, these claws were about a foot long and likely used for grasping vegetation. Despite their formidable appearance, the claws were not used for hunting, as Duonychus tsogtbaatari was a plant-eater.
Paleontologists found the fossil, which included an exceptionally preserved claw sheath made of keratin, the same material as human nails. This sheath indicates that the claws were much longer than the bones beneath them. The discovery is significant because such preservation of keratin is rare.
The dinosaur stood approximately 10 feet tall and weighed around 573 pounds. It likely used its claws to reach and grasp branches up to four inches in diameter. The fossil was discovered by staff at Mongolia’s Institute of Paleontology, part of the Mongolian Academy of Sciences. The species is named after Mongolian paleontologist Khishigjav Tsogtbaatar.
The discovery of Duonychus tsogtbaatari provides new insights into theropod evolution, a group that includes the famous Tyrannosaurus rex. The study co-author, Darla Zelenitsky, highlighted the uniqueness of the two-fingered claws among therizinosaurs, which are typically known for their large, scythe-like claws. The findings underscore the diversity and adaptability of dinosaurs during the Cretaceous period.