velociraptor

Velociraptor is a genus of small to medium-sized theropod dinosaurs in the family Dromaeosauridae, from the Late Cretaceous period. The name means “swift thief.” Fossils have been found mainly in the Djadochta Formation of Mongolia, with additional material reported from China, dating to about 75 to 71 million years ago. The most well-known species is Velociraptor mongoliensis; other named species are less certain in their validity.

Adult Velociraptor were about 2 meters long, stood roughly 0.5 meters tall at the hip, and weighed around 15 kilograms. They had a slender, lightweight build, a long skull with sharp, serrated teeth, and relatively long forelimbs. A distinctive feature was the enlarged second toe on each foot, bearing a curved, sickle-shaped claw that could be used to grasp or slice at prey. The tail was stiffened by elongated vertebrae and associated tissues to provide balance during rapid movement.

There is strong evidence that Velociraptor, like other dromaeosaurs, was feathered. Fossils show impressions consistent with plumage, and in at least one specimen there are signs of feather attachment points on the forearm. This supports a close relationship to birds and helps explain depictions of Velociraptor with a covering of feathers.

Ecologically, Velociraptor was carnivorous, likely hunting small vertebrates and possibly scavenging. Its anatomy suggests agility and speed rather than size, and while popular culture sometimes portrays social hunting, the extent of cooperative behavior remains a topic of debate. Velociraptor’s discovery and anatomy have made it a key example in discussions of predatory behavior and the evolution of feathers in theropods.