Mononykus olecranus is a small, agile theropod dinosaur that lived during the late Cretaceous period, approximately 70 million years ago. Its name means "single claw" in reference to its most distinctive feature: the small size of its forelimbs, which only had one functional finger. This unique anatomical adaptation suggests that Mononykus olecranus was a specialized animal, possibly adapted to burrowing for insects and other soil invertebrates, or to capture small prey.
Its general morphology is characterized by a thin and elongated body that can measure between 1 and 1.2 meters, and with long and thin hind limbs adapted for fast and agile locomotion. This structure suggests that it was an efficient runner, capable of moving quickly to hunt or avoid predators. Although its forelimbs were small, its hind legs were powerful, suggesting that it could move quickly and efficiently.
Regarding its habitat, Mononykus olecranus probably lived in semi-arid areas or open forests during the late Cretaceous, in what is now Mongolia. It is believed that it was a terrestrial animal that moved mainly on the ground in search of food, using its visual acuity and speed to detect and capture prey. Its small size and ability to move quickly likely helped it avoid the larger predators that shared its environment.
Approximate measurements of Mononykus:
Its general morphology is characterized by a thin and elongated body that can measure between 1 and 1.2 meters, and with long and thin hind limbs adapted for fast and agile locomotion. This structure suggests that it was an efficient runner, capable of moving quickly to hunt or avoid predators. Although its forelimbs were small, its hind legs were powerful, suggesting that it could move quickly and efficiently.
Regarding its habitat, Mononykus olecranus probably lived in semi-arid areas or open forests during the late Cretaceous, in what is now Mongolia. It is believed that it was a terrestrial animal that moved mainly on the ground in search of food, using its visual acuity and speed to detect and capture prey. Its small size and ability to move quickly likely helped it avoid the larger predators that shared its environment.
Approximate measurements of Mononykus:
- Complete 1:10 Scale
- Length 108mm
- Height 39mm
- Snout-tail length 120 mm
- Complete 1:6 Scale
- Length 180mm
- Height 65mm
- Snout-tail length 200 mm
