In an astounding breakthrough, scientists have unveiled a rare species of two-clawed dinosaur, known as Duonychus tsogtbaatari, in Mongolia's vast Gobi Desert. This remarkable discovery is not just another addition to the dinosaur family tree; it challenges everything we thought we knew about the Therizinosaurs.

Standing upright on its hind legs, the Duonychus weighs in at an impressive 260 kilograms, making it a medium-sized dinosaur in its classification. What sets this dinosaur apart is its unusual two-clawed hands, diverging from the more common three claws seen in its relatives. This unique characteristic suggests an advanced ability to grasp and manipulate vegetation, hinting at its potential dietary habits.

Therizinosaurs, a group of intriguing theropod dinosaurs, have long puzzled paleontologists. They thrived during the Cretaceous Period, a time frame extending from approximately 145 million to 66 million years ago. This group is known for its distinct herbivorous or omnivorous diets, with many members, like the infamous Therizinosaurus featured in "Jurassic World Dominion," showcasing long, striking claws that serve various functions.

The Duonychus fossil was discovered in the Bayanshiree formation, dating back to the Late Cretaceous period. UNESCO acknowledges this region as the world’s largest dinosaur fossil reservoir, making it a significant archaeological hotspot. The Gobi Desert continues to yield remarkable findings from the final phase of dinosaur evolution, offering crucial insights into the life forms that roamed our planet over 66 million years ago.

What’s more, the study reveals that Duonychus's claws are nearly a foot long, astonishingly larger than the bones from which they protrude. This anomaly indicates that these claws might have played several roles beyond simply grasping — including display behavior, digging in search of food, or defending against threats. Unlike the notorious tyrannosaurids such as the Tyrannosaurus rex, which also exhibit two fingers, Duonychus represents a separate evolutionary lineage that adapted its unique features independently.

Perhaps most exciting is the preservation of the first recorded keratinous sheath from a therizinosaur, akin to human fingernails. This feature could have provided additional functionality for hunting, movement, or protecting the claws against wear.

As paleontologists continue to explore the fossil-rich Gobi Desert, the discovery of Duonychus tsogtbaatari raises compelling questions about the diversity and adaptability of dinosaur species. What other secrets does this ancient landscape hold? The quest to unlock the mysteries of the dinosaur age is far from over!