Pronunciation: moh-no-NY-kus
Meaning: One claw
Author/s: Perle et al. (1993)
Synonyms: Mononychus (see etymology)
First Discovery: Ömnögovi, Mongolia
Discovery Chart Position: #385
Mononykus olecranus
Etymology
Mononykus is derived from the Greek "mono" (one, single) and "onykh" (claw), named for a short, robust forelimb possessing a single stout claw. It was originally named Mononychus (with a "ch" instead of a "k") in 1993, but was changed later the same year because German entomologist Johann Schueppel had already assigned that name to a beetle.The species epithet, olecranus, is derived from the Greek "ole-kranon" (elbow head), and makes no sense on face value. However, it refers to the bony outgrowth that forms the pointy part of the elbow, to which the triceps attach, and as that of Mononychus is particularly large it must have anchored a lot of muscle, giving the forearms unexpected strength for their small size.
Discovery
The first remains of Mononykus were discovered in the
Nemegt Formation at Bugeen Tsav (aka Bugin Tsav, Bugin Tsav), Ömnögovi Province, Mongolia, by B. Namsarai - a preparator at the Mongolian Museum of Natural History - during the 1987 Soviet-Mongolian Paleontological expedition.
The holotype (IGM N107/6) is a complete braincase, small fragments of skull bones, and a partial skeleton minus the tail.
