Key Information
Mononykus
| Species | Mononykus olecranus |
| Diet | Carnivore (Insectivore?) |
| Height | 2 ft |
| Length | 3 ft 4 inches to 3 ft 11 inches |
| Weight | 7.7 lb |
| Timescale | Late Cretaceous |
| Classification | Saurischia > Theropoda > Alvarezsauridae |
| Similar Species | Parvicursor, Ceratonykus, Shuvuuia |
Learning Point
- Mononykus is a very small and unusual dinosaur. It is one of a group of dinosaurs that have one or two claws on each forearm, something that has puzzled dinosaur experts. It was found in Mongolia, and about half of the skeleton was found. Much of what we think the rest of it looks like is based on similar dinosaurs.
Project
- Draw a picture of Mononykus.
- Overview
- X-Ray
Location
| Confirmed | Mongolia |
Fun Facts
- The name Mononykus comes from Greek meaning “one claw“.
- It has one strange claw on each arm, which some think might have allowed it to dig out small insects like termites.
- There is one confirmed fossil, with several others that looked similar now seen to be a different dinosaur.
- It is thought it might have had feathers because of other similar dinosaurs.
Past Lessons
| 148 | May 13, 2024 | (North America) |