Velociraptor
Order: Saurischia · Suborder: Theropoda · Infraorder: Tetanurae · Family: Dromaeosauridae
Found in Mongolia, China and Russia, Velociraptor wasa ferocious predator with the second toe of each foot bearing aformidably large, retractable claw. Velociraptor was similar in appearance to the larger Deinonychus and the much largerUtahraptor. Like Deinonychus and possibly Utahraptor, it may have hunted in packs -- although Velociraptor and Utahraptorfossils have never been found in groups like Deinonychus. Velociraptor was not as fast as a cheetah, nor as smart asa chimpanzee, as suggested in the movie Jurassic Park.
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Reference background: Natural History Museum, London — Dinosaurs; Smithsonian National Museum of Natural History — Dinosaurs; American Museum of Natural History — Dinosaurs & Fossils. Figures are typical published ranges; taxonomy follows the source era and modern consensus is noted where it differs. See our sources & fact-check policy.
Frequently asked questions
What does Velociraptor mean?
The name Velociraptor means “Quick Plunderer or Rapid Robber”. It is pronounced veh-loss-ih-RAP-tor.
When did Velociraptor live?
Velociraptor lived during the Late Cretaceous.
Was Velociraptor a carnivore or a herbivore?
Velociraptor was a carnivore.
How big was Velociraptor?
Velociraptor was about 5.9 feet (1.8 meters) long, around 2.5 feet (0.8 meters) tall, weighing up to 200 pounds (91 kg).
Related dinosaurs
Other dinosaurs from the Dromaeosauridae family.
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