>>9421736Dryptosaurus was the only large carnivore known in eastern North America until the discovery of the basal tyrannosauroid Appalachiosaurus in 2005.[17] Appalachiosaurus which is known from more complete remains, is similar to Dryptosaurus in both body size and morphology.[18] This discovery made it clear that Dryptosaurus was a primitive tyrannosauroid. Detailed phylogenetic analysis by Brusatte et al. (2011) confirmed the tyrannosauroid affinities of Dryptosaurus and assigned it as an "intermediate" tyrannosauroid that is more derived than basal taxa such as Guanlong and Dilong, but more primitive than members of the more derived Tyrannosauridae.
>Dryptosaurus is estimated to have been 7.5 metres (25 ft) long and to have weighed 1.5 metric tons (1.7 short tons), although this is based on partial remains of one individual.[1] Like its relative Eotyrannus, Dryptosaurus seems to have had relatively long arms when compared with more derived tyrannosaurs such as Tyrannosaurus. Its hands, which are also relatively large were believed to have had three fingers. Brusatte et al. (2011), however, observed an overall similarity in the shape of the available phalanges of Dryptosaurus with those of derived tyrannosaurids and noted that Dryptosaurus may have had only two functional digits.[2] Each of its fingers were tipped by an eight-inch, talon-like claw.[3] Its forelimb morphology suggests that forelimb reduction in tyrannosauroids may not have proceeded in a uniform fashion.[2] Dryptosaurus may have used both its arms and its jaws and as weapons when hunting, capturing and processing prey.[2] It was originally thought to have 3 fingers but noted that it may have only had 2
We have the first digit in full including the claw based on the name three manual phalanges from the left hand (I-1, II-2, and an ungual), no 3rd digit or evidence of one.
2 fingers is the more updated version and including for Appalachiasaurus that was previously depicted w 3 instead of 2
