Newly Discovered Two-Fingered Dinosaur Offers Rare Insights Into Evolution

Duonychus tsogtbaatari, a therizinosaur from Mongolia, reveals unique adaptations and exceptional fossil preservation from the Late Cretaceous.

Duonychus tsogtbaatari is the first known therizinosaur with only two clawed fingers, diverging from the typical three-fingered structure of its relatives.
The fossil, found in Mongolia's Gobi Desert, includes exceptionally preserved hands with keratinous claw sheaths, a rare feature in dinosaur fossils.
Researchers believe the dinosaur's specialized claws were primarily used for grasping vegetation, reflecting its herbivorous diet, but may have also served defensive or display functions.
The discovery highlights an evolutionary experiment in theropod hand anatomy, offering new insights into the diversity and adaptability of this dinosaur group.
Named in honor of Mongolian paleontologist Khishigjav Tsogtbaatar, the species underscores the Gobi Desert's significance as a paleontological hotspot.