| VELOCIRAPTOR The Velociraptor ("speedy
predator") mongoliensis belongs to the family called Dromaeosaurids, which are
grouped under
Therapoda (includes carnivorous or meat-eating dinosaurs), a subdivision of Saurischia
(reptile hipped dinosaurs). Velociraptor looks different from other Dromaeosaurids in that
it has a low and narrow head. The sizes of Dromaeosaurids were different: Dromaeosaurus
(1.8 m/length), Velociraptor (1.8 m/length), and Deinonychus (3-3.3 m/length). The
sickle-like claw on each of its hind feet is very similar to other Dromaeosaurids.
This dinosaur lived during the Upper Cretaceous period (about 70 million years ago).
Velociraptor preserved remains have been found in Mongolia. A nearly complete Velociraptor
skeleton was discovered in an attack position, clutching the skull of a Protoceratops
skeleton. How about that? This is one of the rare pieces of evidence that shows a
carnivore's eating habits.
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