Therizinosaurus cheloniformis

Therizinosaurus was one of the most bizarre and enigmatic dinosaurs to ever walk the Earth, living during the Late Cretaceous period, around 70 million years ago, in what is now Mongolia. Despite its fearsome appearance, with claws that could grow over 3 feet (1 meter) long, Therizinosaurus was actually an herbivore, and its massive claws were likely used for foraging, stripping leaves from tall plants or possibly for defense rather than hunting prey. This large, feathered dinosaur reached lengths of up to 33 feet (10 meters) and had a bulky, elongated body, with a relatively small head compared to its size. Its long neck and robust, plant-eating teeth further suggest its herbivorous diet, feeding on the abundant vegetation of the time. The claws, often depicted as being used for combat, may also have played a role in mating displays or territorial behavior. Its posture was somewhat upright, with a heavily muscled body supported by strong hind limbs, and it likely moved slowly through the Cretaceous forests, grazing on ferns, conifers, and other plants. The unique combination of features in Therizinosaurus, including its giant claws, herbivorous habits, and bizarre proportions, make it one of the most fascinating and puzzling dinosaurs known to science, illustrating how evolution can produce extraordinary and unexpected adaptations in the animal kingdom.