Rare Two-Clawed Dinosaur Unearthed in Mongolia: Groundbreaking Discovery by Scientists

Scientists have unveiled a fascinating new dinosaur species, named Duonychus tsogtbaatari, unearthed in Mongolia’s Gobi Desert. This remarkable therizinosaur, characterized by its two foot-long clawed fingers, stood about 10 feet tall and weighed approximately 570 pounds. Duonychus, which translates to "two claws" in Greek, showcases the distinct features typical of therizinosaurs, including large claws likely adapted for vegetation, backward-facing hip bones, and a long neck with a small head.

This unique dinosaur existed during the Cretaceous Period, roughly 145 million to 66 million years ago, and primarily consumed leaves from large trees and shrubs. Researchers described this specimen, found in 2012, as an "effective grasper," capable of reaching branches nearly 5 inches in diameter.

Although Duonychus is a part of the theropod group, which includes fearsome species like the tyrannosaurus, its evolutionary path led to leaf-based feeding, a divergence from its carnivorous cousins. Michael Benton, a vertebrate paleontology professor at the University of Bristol, highlighted the significance of this discovery, emphasizing the unusual loss of digits over time in dinosaurs.

The Gobi Desert, known as the world’s largest dinosaur fossil reservoir by UNESCO, continues to surprise researchers with its rich trove of therizinosaur fossils, providing key insights into dinosaur diversity during the Cretaceous era. As excavations continue, the legacy of Duonychus contributes to our understanding of the evolutionary tapestry of ancient life on Earth.