Velociraptor mongoliensis

Velociraptor, meaning “swift thief,” is a genus of small dromaeosaurid theropod dinosaurs that lived approximately 75 to 71 million years ago during the Late Cretaceous period. Fossils of Velociraptor have been discovered in central and eastern Asia, particularly in the Gobi Desert region of Mongolia. 

Adult Velociraptors measured about 1.5 to 2 meters (5 to 6.5 feet) in length and weighed approximately 15 kilograms (33 pounds). They were bipedal carnivores characterized by a long, stiff tail that provided balance and agility, and an enlarged, sickle-shaped claw on each hind foot, which was likely used to tackle and restrain prey. 

Unlike their portrayal in popular media, Velociraptors were relatively small, comparable in size to a turkey. They had long legs and were likely agile hunters, capable of quick movements. Their agility was enhanced by a long, stiff tail that helped them steer at high speeds. 

Paleontological evidence indicates that Velociraptors had feathers, suggesting a closer evolutionary relationship to modern birds than to reptiles. This feathered covering likely provided insulation and may have been used for display or other functions. 

One of the most famous fossils, known as the “Fighting Dinosaurs,” captures a Velociraptor locked in combat with a Protoceratops, providing a rare glimpse into predator-prey interactions during the Cretaceous period. 

Velociraptor’s portrayal in the “Jurassic Park” film series significantly influenced public perception of the dinosaur, often depicting them as larger and more reptilian than scientific evidence suggests. In reality, Velociraptors were smaller, feathered, and more bird-like in appearance.