Shuvuuia
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Shuvuuia is an odd little dinosaur. It's an alvarezsaur, a group of small insectivores with extremely short but robust arms that have one huge claw. Their build implies they were used for digging into or penetrating something. Exactly what is a matter of debate. The traditional explanation is they were used for puncturing insect nests, but the arms were so short, they'd need to press right up against it! Anyways, Shuvuuia has a small birdlike head with many tiny sharp teeth. A joint in its skull allows the snout to move, like in some birds. It is long-legged, long-tailed, and covered in feathers. Analysis of its feathers show they're made of beta-keratin - the same keratin bird feathers are made from. Its teeth hint at a diet of insects. Shuvuuia can be found in the Mongolia of the Cretaceous exhibit. |
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