Mononykus is a relatively new dinosaur to science and its unique appearance means that much of its lifestyle still remains a mystery.

Mononykus was a small dinosaur with long skinny legs. It is likely to have been nimble and agile and would have been capable of running at high speed. This may have allowed it hunt insects or small animals. Its turn of speed would also have helped it avoid the clutches of predators such as Velociraptor or Tarbosaurus.

We are not certain, but it seems probable that Mononykus would have had a covering of feathers over its body. These would have provided the animal with some heat insulation at night or during colder months. It could also have provided it with camouflage or perhaps they could have been used as part of a colourful mating display.

The biggest mystery surrounding Mononykus is the single claws on each of its front limbs. These claws had powerful muscles behind them and would have been very strong. But they are so short that it is difficult to say what they were used for.

Mononykus may have been nocturnal, using its large eyes to hunt by night. Being active at night is a good survival strategy in the desert as it is cooler and there are fewer large predators about. If this is so, then Mononykus may have spent its days hiding in heavy vegetation or in shaded areas.