New Dinosaur Species Unearthed in Gobi Desert: ‘Edward Scissorhands’ Claw Discovery
Paleontologists have identified a previously unknown species of dinosaur, Duonychus tsogtbaatari, based on fossil remains discovered in Mongolia’s Gobi Desert. This unique creature, part of the therizinosaur group, is characterized by its distinctive two-fingered claws, resembling a bizarre combination of a sloth, giraffe, and the fictional Edward Scissorhands. The remarkable find includes an intact keratin sheath on one claw, providing unprecedented insights into the size and structure of these impressive appendages.
Remarkable Claw Structure of Duonychus tsogtbaatari
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The fossil, unearthed in the Gobi Desert, Mongolia, is exceptional due to the preservation of the keratin sheath on one of the dinosaur’s digits. This sheath, composed of the same material as fingernails, demonstrates that the claw was significantly longer than the underlying bone structure.
“It measures nearly a foot in length,” stated paleontologist Darla Zelenitsky, an associate professor at the University of Calgary and co-author of the study published in iScience. “This represents the most substantial claw with a preserved keratinous sheath discovered on a dinosaur to date.”
Naming the New Therizinosaur
The newly identified dinosaur has been scientifically named Duonychus tsogtbaatari. The genus name, Duonychus, is derived from Greek and signifies “two claws,” while the species name honors Mongolian paleontologist Khishigjav Tsogtbaatar.
Duonychus tsogtbaatari belonged to the therizinosaur family, a group known for their unusual appearance within the theropod lineage, which also includes the Tyrannosaurus rex. Unlike their apex predator relatives, therizinosaurs were herbivores or omnivores.
Physical Characteristics and Potential Use of Claws
This newly described dinosaur was estimated to be around 10 feet (3 meters) tall and weighed approximately 573 pounds (260 kilograms). Research suggests it likely employed its curved claws to access vegetation, capable of grasping branches up to 4 inches (10 centimeters) in diameter, as detailed in the study.
Fossil Discovery and Significance
In addition to the distinctive claws, paleontologists also recovered fossilized sections of the dinosaur’s backbone, tail, hips, arms, and legs. Zelenitsky noted that the fossil was originally discovered by staff at Mongolia’s Institute of Paleontology, part of the Mongolian Academy of Sciences, several years prior.
Beyond grasping foliage, the dual-fingered hands might have served a display purpose or functioned as formidable defensive weapons when necessary, according to Zelenitsky.
“While not predators, they possessed the means to defend themselves with these substantial, very sharp claws,” she explained.
Zelenitsky drew a comparison to modern-day sloths, whose claws are utilized for hanging from tree limbs, as the closest analogy for the dinosaur’s unique digits among extant animals.
Expert Opinions on the ‘Barbecue Tongs’ Hands
David Hone, a paleontologist and zoology reader at Queen Mary University of London not involved in the research, described the discovery of Duonychus tsogtbaatari’s claw as “exciting.”
“I have observed fragments from other Gobi specimens, but never a complete sheath like this. Keratin preservation is uncommon in most dinosaur-bearing formations,” commented Hone, author of “Uncovering Dinosaur Behavior: What They Did and How We Know” (2024).
Via email, he added, “This is particularly significant as the relationship between keratin and the underlying bone is often uncertain.”
Therizinosaurs: The ‘Edward Scissorhands Dinosaurs’
Steve Brusatte, a paleontology professor at the University of Edinburgh, explained that most therizinosaurs had elongated claws for manipulating vegetation, earning them the moniker “Edward Scissorhands dinosaurs,” referencing the iconic 1990 film character with scissor blades for hands.
“However, this species is unique with only two fingers on each large arm, giving them the appearance of oversized tongs, similar to those used for barbecuing,” Brusatte, who was not part of the study, stated.
Brusatte further noted that only a limited number of dinosaur groups possessed two fingers, most notably the Tyrannosaurus rex, with single-fingered dinosaurs being even rarer.
“In contrast to the T. rex, which likely had minimal use for its small arms, and definitely not for combat or prey subjugation, these therizinosaurs utilized their arms as a crucial component of their feeding strategy,” he elaborated.
Feathered Appearance and Further Significance
Zelenitsky speculated that Duonychus tsogtbaatari likely had feathers, consistent with other therizinosaurs known to be “covered in feathers,” contributing to their “odd-looking demeanor.”
Brusatte concluded, “This discovery serves as another remarkable illustration of a novel dinosaur species that would have remained unimaginable if we had not unearthed its fossils.”