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Velociraptor

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Velociraptor

Velociraptor was a carnivore from the late Cretaceous period. It was six feet long and weighed the same as a small child.

How did Velociraptor get its name?

"Velociraptor" comes from two Greek words:

  • Velos meaning "quick"
  • Raptor meaning "thief"

So if you put the words together, the name means "quick thief."

Why?

Velociraptors were likely scavengers, and may have stolen eggs from nests as a quick meal. In order to steal an egg from the nest without the mother dinosaur noticing, Velociraptor would have had to be been quite fast!
Velociraptor
Contrary to what most people think, and thanks to the popularity of the Jurassic Park book and movies, Velociraptor was covered in small feathers and stood a little bit taller than a turkey.

What else is really cool about Velociraptor?

  • Velociraptor could run fast, about 50kph.
  • Velociraptor had a single, large, curved claw on each of its hind feet, which were used in catching prey.
Created by Carrie Johns
Copyright April 28, 2018
Revised April 28, 2018