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Velociraptor

Also known as Raptor, Velociraptors

Velociraptor (; ) is a genus of small dromaeosaurid dinosaurs that lived in Asia during the Late Cretaceous epoch, about 75 million to 71 million years ago (Mya). Two species are currently recognized, although others have been assigned in the past. The type species is V. mongoliensis, named and described in 1924. Fossils of this species have been discovered in the Djadochta Formation, Mongolia. A second species, V. osmolskae, was named in 2008 for skull material from the Bayan Mandahu Formation, China. A possible record is known from the Nemegt Formation.

AI overview

Velociraptor is a genus of small meat-eating dinosaurs that lived in Asia during the Late Cretaceous period, roughly 75 to 71 million years ago. It matters as a well-documented example of dromaeosaurs, with two recognized species whose fossils have been found in Mongolia and China, providing important evidence about dinosaur diversity and evolution during this era.

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Wikidata facts

Mass: 15
Image: Velociraptor restraining an oviraptorosaur by durbed.jpg
Height: 0.5
Length: 1.8

Show 6 more facts

Commons category: Velociraptor
taxon name: Velociraptor
Commons gallery: Velociraptor
taxon common name: welociraptor
start time: 75000000-0
end time: 71000000-0

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~36 min read

Article

21 sections

Contents

History of discovery
Additional species
Description
Skull
Postcranial skeleton
Classification
Paleobiology
Feathers
Senses
Feeding
Predatory behavior
Scavenging behavior
Metabolism
Paleopathology
Paleoenvironment
Bayan Mandahu Formation
Djadochta Formation
Cultural significance
See also
References
External links

Smaller than other dromaeosaurids like Deinonychus and Achillobator, Velociraptor was about long with a body mass of around . It nevertheless shared many of the same anatomical features. It was a bipedal, feathered carnivore with a long tail and an enlarged sickle-shaped claw on each hindfoot, which is thought to have been used to tackle and restrain prey. Velociraptor can be distinguished from other dromaeosaurids by its long and low skull, with an upturned snout.