Velociraptor appeared in the Cretaceous period 75 million years ago and populated the planet for 4 million years. Velociraptor, also called Raptor, is one of the most popular dinosaurs and is well known to the general public, especially after its appearance in the movie Jurassic Park.
His style was simple and similar to that of birds. It hatched 12cm eggs and fended off predators on a daily basis and had its nests built in tall trees.
Description
Velociraptor was a medium-sized animal with a length of 2m, a height of 0.5 m and a weight of only 15kg. The skull, with a length of 25cm, has a unique shape, concave on the upper surface and convex on the lower.
The jaws are equipped with 26-28 teeth on each side, they are easily separated, making the difference only those in front who are supposed to have adapted to the needs of capturing and holding the struggling prey. It had a duck-like beak and chicken claws.
The tail was as long as a rudder, this helped him to keep his direction. Locomotion was done on two short legs. It is said to have been one of the fastest dinosaurs reaching speeds of 60km/h over short distances.
Like other animals of its species, Velociraptor had an upper limb like a hand with three claws similar to those of today's birds. In 2007, paleontologists discovered new traces of well-preserved Velociraptor that confirm the presence of feathers.
Provenance
All known specimens have been discovered in Mongolia. Studies have confirmed that these specimens lived between 83 and 70 million years in the late Cretaceous period.
Many sources have assumed that Velociraptor lived on arid terrain with sand and sand dunes, while studies place it in a slightly humid area. Two specimens found in their entirety are presumed to have either been drowned, injured, or covered in sand dunes.
Behavior
Since the specimen was discovered in 1971, aggressive behavior has been confirmed. Comparisons between Velociraptor, birds, and reptiles indicate that the animal may have been nocturnal.
Most attacks for food would have occurred at night or at night. During the attacks a trump card was a strong and sharp claw that would not target the abdomen but rather the jugular, carotid artery or trachea.
He was a carnivore, probably would have eaten anything he could chop. It is not excluded to hunt in packs herbivores of the same size or larger.
Popularity
Although its appearance and dimensions were altered in the film that made it popular, Jurassic Park, it enjoyed great success.
Entire lines of toys, animated films, video games, children's television series, documentaries, etc. have been created.
Various sports teams or companies have Associated their name with Velociraptor, such as the Toronto Raptors basketball team.
