Produced by the Population Genetics and Evolution class, Furman University

The Cretaceous: Velociraptor
Velociraptor mongoliensis was a species of theropod dinosaur that lived about 75 mya (NGS 2010). A recent study shows that Velociraptor was at least partially covered in feathers or filamentous protofeathers. This plumage may have been used for visual communication, thermoregulation, or the creation of negative lift while incline running (Turner et al. 2007). About 1.8 meters long, this carnivore sported 9 cm long retractable claws on each foot in addition to a row of sharp teeth (NGS 2010). Velociraptor is known to have preyed on Protoceratops; in fact, multiple fossils of both dinosaurs have been discovered together. However, it is still unclear as to whether or not Velociraptor primarily engaged in hunting or scavenging. A recent find of fragments of Velociraptor teeth alongside a Protoceratops jaw with matching bite marks could be interpreted as evidence of scavenging activity; if Velociraptor had made a fresh kill, it would have fed on the haunches and guts of the Protoceratops instead of damaging its own teeth by gnawing on the jaw. However, since the fossilized remains of both dinosaurs are suggestive of a struggle, there is good reason to believe predation may have occurred, as well (Walker 2010).

Page by Robert Mazgaj
Velociraptor mongoliensis. Photo Credit: National Geographic Society

National Geographic Society. 2010. Velociraptor mongoliensis. Accessed April 5, 2010.

Turner AH, Makovicky PJ, Norell MA. 2007. Feather quill knobs in the dinosaur Velociraptor. Science 317: 1721.

Walker M. 2010. Fossil find shows Velociraptor eating another dinosaur. BBC, 6 April, 2010. Accessed April 6, 2010.