Deinocheirus (Horrible Hand)

Basic facts

  • 36 feet (11m) length

  • Late Cretaceous

  • Mongolia

  • Omnivore

In the annals of paleontological history, the discovery of Deinocheirus remains one of the most enigmatic and fascinating chapters. With its imposing size, long arms ending in peculiar, massive claws, and a unique combination of features, Deinocheirus has intrigued scientists and dinosaur enthusiasts alike.

Deinocheirus is a genus of theropod dinosaur belonging to the group Deinocheiridae. It lived during the Late Cretaceous period, approximately 70 million years ago. The first fragmentary fossils of Deinocheirus were discovered in the Nemegt Formation of Mongolia in the 1960s. However, the true nature of this mysterious dinosaur remained unknown for decades due to the limited remains.

Deinocheirus was an impressive dinosaur, reaching lengths of up to 36 feet (11 meters) and standing approximately 16 feet (5 meters) tall. Its most striking feature was its enormous, elongated arms, each measuring around 8 feet (2.4 meters) in length. The arms terminated in large, curved claws, giving it the nickname "Terrible Hands."

In addition to its unique arms, Deinocheirus had a long, slender neck and a toothless beak, indicating it was likely a herbivore or omnivore. Its overall body plan resembled that of a large theropod dinosaur, but its long, robust arms set it apart from other known theropods.

Deinocheirus inhabited the ancient landscapes of what is now Mongolia during the Late Cretaceous. Its habitat was shared with other dinosaurs, including sauropods, hadrosaurs, and other theropods.

The function of Deinocheirus's massive arms has been a subject of speculation and debate among paleontologists. While it was initially thought to be a fearsome predator, subsequent discoveries of more complete fossils revealed its herbivorous tendencies. The unique arms may have been used for browsing on vegetation or for other social or ecological purposes, though the exact function remains uncertain.