Orthonyx

Orthonyx is a genus of theropod dinosaur that lived during the Late Cretaceous period, approximately 70 million years ago. It is known from a single species, Orthonyx chubutensis, which was discovered in the Chubut Province of Argentina. Orthonyx is notable for its distinctive skull, which features a large, rounded snout and a series of small, pointed teeth. The skull is also characterized by a unique arrangement of the nasal bones, which form a series of ridges and grooves on the surface of the skull.

Orthonyx is classified as a maniraptoran, a group of theropod dinosaurs that includes birds and their closest relatives. It is believed to have been a small to medium-sized predator, with an estimated length of around 3 meters. The fossil remains of Orthonyx include a nearly complete skull, as well as fragments of postcranial skeleton. The skull is particularly well-preserved, with many of the delicate structures of the face and skull roof intact.

Orthonyx is one of the few maniraptoran dinosaurs known from the Southern Hemisphere, and its discovery has provided valuable insights into the diversity and evolution of these dinosaurs in the region. The genus name Orthonyx means "straight claw," referring to the shape of the claw on the second digit of the hand, while the specific name chubutensis refers to the Chubut Province in Argentina, where the fossil was discovered.