Velociraptors do much to exemplify the cunning predator of science fiction. While these theropods boast speed and agility, these killers also come fitted with a devastating arsenal, i.e., velociraptor claws, fearsome sickle-shaped.
Velociraptor: A Feathered Killer
Velociraptors were smaller, bipedal, feathered, carnivorous dinosaurs that had become popular in terms of speed and hunting. Some of its features are the following:
Size and Body
Velociraptors were as long as a large turkey and about 6 feet long while weighing around 15-20 kilograms, or 33-44 pounds. They have very slender bodies that are very appealing for running and agility.
Feathers
Contrary to the reputation of the scaled reptiles common in science fiction, Velociraptors were actually feathered. Feathers are confirmed by fossil evidence from the presence of quill knobs on the bones, where feathers would have attached.
Sickle Claw
The sickle claw, a large claw that curved back like a scythe, was found on the hind feet. This probably served for puncturing and killing the prey.
Agile Hunters
Velociraptors were agile predators. They ran at a quite considerable speed and made extremely fast turns. Their long tails also helped them stabilize their body, thus granting balance.
Brainy
Velociraptors had relatively big brains for their size. These intelligent creatures, therefore, might hunt in packs, coordinating the kind of attacks that can bring down bigger prey.
Carnivore
Velociraptors were carnivorous animals, feeding on a wide array of smaller animals. Some of their well-known preys include birds, other small dinosaurs, and reptiles.
While often described as fierce, top predators, Velociraptors were relatively small dinosaurs. Their agility, intelligence, and hunting skills enabled them to be formidable predators in their environment.
The Velociraptor Claw: A Deadly Arsenal
Its second toe sported an impressively large, curved claw up to 12 cm in length. In all probability, this was used to slash and tear into its prey. This is a very specialized adaptation-remarkably enough, Velociraptors managed to make serious wounds.
Paleontologists believe Velociraptors dinosaurs would have hunted a number of small dinosaurs and other mammals using their claws, complemented with sharp teeth. The theories even say that Velociraptor might have used its claws to protect itself against more massive predators.
Velociraptor Fossils: Solving the Enigma
The fossil of the first Velociraptor was found in Mongolia as early as 1924. Since then, several more fossils have been found. These are significant in establishing knowledge about the anatomy and behavior of this wonderful dinosaur.
Among the most notable Velociraptor fossils is the "Fighting Dinosaurs" fossil. This very miraculous discovery was found in Mongolia in the year 1971. In the fossil, Velociraptor is seen in combat with a Protoceratops. Fossil The evidence for the carnivorous nature of Velociraptor is very well provided by this fossil.
The Velociraptor in Pop Culture
The Velociraptor has captured the public imagination for quite some time now. Although its portrayal in the movie Jurassic Park was not scientifically close to reality, it has cemented this beast as an extremely intelligent and vicious killer.
However, modern science has shown that the actual size of the Velociraptor was much smaller compared to what was depicted in the film and also that it could have had feathers. However, its saddle-shaped claws make it the animal of the killer legend.
Current Investigations: Recent Findings
The field of paleontology is still finding new discoveries in regard to Velociraptor fossils. Research indicates that Velociraptors may have been social creatures as much as they were solitary animals, hunting and living in packs. This conclusion makes the traditional image of the Velociraptor a solitary predator seem a little bit off.
Scientists have even developed research to another level by speculating whether Velociraptors could run at high velocities. This has made them a kind of upsurge in hunting forces, one that could grab prey easily.
Conclusion
Velociraptor is one of the most fantastic dinosaurs that have captured the public's imagination over time. Its notorious sickle-shaped claws combined with stunning speed and agility make this one of the best known predators of the Mesozoic Era. As more scientists study Velociraptor fossils, much is yet to be unearthed about this extraordinary creature and its role in life on earth.