Paleontologists have announced the discovery of a previously unknown dinosaur species in the Gobi Desert, Mongolia. The dinosaur, distinguished by having only two claws on each forelimb, has been named *Bimanus unguis* (Latin for 'two-handed claw'). The discovery was made during a joint expedition by the Mongolian Academy of Sciences and an international team of researchers.
The *Bimanus unguis* is estimated to have lived during the Late Cretaceous period, approximately 70 million years ago. Fossil evidence suggests it was a relatively small theropod, measuring around 6 feet in length. Unlike most theropods, which possess three claws on each hand, *Bimanus unguis* had only two, a feature that has intrigued scientists.
"This is a truly unique find," said Dr. Ariunaa Bayar, lead paleontologist on the expedition. "The two-clawed structure is unlike anything we've seen before in theropods. It raises questions about the dinosaur's hunting style and its evolutionary adaptations."
The research team is conducting further analysis of the fossil remains to determine the exact relationship of *Bimanus unguis* to other theropod dinosaurs. They hope to understand how and why this unusual claw structure evolved. The discovery highlights the importance of ongoing paleontological research in Mongolia and the potential for uncovering more secrets of the dinosaur age. The fossils will be housed at the National Museum of Natural History in Ulaanbaatar.
New Two-Clawed Dinosaur Species Unearthed in Mongolian Desert
A rare dinosaur species with only two claws has been discovered in the Gobi Desert of Mongolia. Scientists believe this unique characteristic sets it apart from other known theropods. The discovery provides valuable insights into dinosaur evolution and the diverse ecosystem of prehistoric Mongolia. Further research will focus on understanding the dinosaur's behavior and its place in the food chain.
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