Velociraptor

By Jessica Hamblin

Velociraptor

By Jessica Hamblin

Scientific Name

Dromaeosaurid theropod

Meaning of NameMeaning of Name

Velociraptor means Speedy ThiefVelociraptor means Speedy Thief

Loco-move it!Loco-move it!

The Velociraptor The Velociraptor could move up to could move up to about 40 miles about 40 miles per hour.per hour.

RangeRange

Fossils have been found in Present-Fossils have been found in Present-day Mongolia, Russia, and Chinaday Mongolia, Russia, and China

DietDiet

A ferocious, carnivorous animalA ferocious, carnivorous animal

Time FrameTime Frame

The Velociraptor existed 70 to 83 million The Velociraptor existed 70 to 83 million years ago, in the later part of the years ago, in the later part of the Cretaceous time period.Cretaceous time period.

LooksLooks

Very fast bipedal dinosaurVery fast bipedal dinosaurTwo legs (hence the name bipedal)Two legs (hence the name bipedal)At least 80 sharp, curved teeth, At least 80 sharp, curved teeth, could be over an inch longcould be over an inch longLong, flat snoutLong, flat snoutS-shaped neckS-shaped neckThree fingers (with claws) on each Three fingers (with claws) on each handhandLong, thin legsLong, thin legsFour toed (with claws) feetFour toed (with claws) feetStiff tail, helped with balance and Stiff tail, helped with balance and making quick turnsmaking quick turnsPossibly had feathersPossibly had feathers

Length, Height, and Weight

5-6 feet long (1.5-2 meters) 3 feet tall (1 meter) 15-33 pounds

To Fly or not to Fly?To Fly or not to Fly?

• Scientists are debating the possibility that Velociraptors had feathers. Of course, these dinosaurs were much too heavy to lift themselves off the ground with a few feeble feathers, so if the feathers WERE there, it would be for some other reason, such as mating or body heat. And since the fossils are in sandstone, which wouldn’t preserve the feather tissue, it can’t be known for certain.

Works CitedWorks Cited

http://www.dinosaurden.co.uk/dino_Velocirhttp://www.dinosaurden.co.uk/dino_Velociraptor.htmlaptor.html

http://www.newscientist.com/article/dn126http://www.newscientist.com/article/dn12666-bumpy-bones-suggest-velociraptor-had66-bumpy-bones-suggest-velociraptor-had-feathers.html-feathers.html

http://www.mce.k12tn.net/dinosaurs/velocirhttp://www.mce.k12tn.net/dinosaurs/velociraptor.htmaptor.htm