Image: Velociraptor
Description
Velociraptor. Based on fossils from Mongolia and China, Late Cretaceous, 84 - 65 million years ago.
- Illustrator:
- James Reece
- Rights:
- © Australian Museum
- Scientific name:
- Velociraptor mongoliensis
- Family:
- Dromaeosauridae
Additional information
Velociraptor was a small and agile meat-eater. One fossil specimen from Mongolia preserves it locked in death with its prey Protoceratops. There is no evidence that it hunted in packs, although some of its close relatives did. Velociraptor had many bird-like characteristics, including long arms, feathers and a wishbone. It had a specialised claw on the second toe that it held off the ground when walking. This claw may have used to pierce or hold on to prey.
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Velociraptor skull View full size
Robert Jones
© Australian Museum
Velociraptor claw View full size
Robert Jones
© Australian Museum
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