Bird-dinosaur species found with extremely ‘robust’ hands
Newly discovered dinosaur likely killed prey using huge thumbs
- A new bird-like dinosaur species, Shri rapax, has been discovered with unusually large and robust clawed hands.
- Shri rapax belongs to the dromaeosauridae group, which includes feathered carnivores considered the closest relatives of birds among dinosaurs.
- The fossil, dating between 75 and 72 million years ago, was likely found in Mongolia, though its exact origin is uncertain due to illegal poaching before 2010.
- Researchers noted Shri rapax had a very stout thumb, proportionally larger claws than any other dromaeosaurid, and cranial adaptations for a powerful bite.
- Scientists suggest the dinosaur's peculiar hands were adaptations that enabled it to target larger prey, such as ceratopsians or immature armoured dinosaurs.