5 Fascinating Facts About Velociraptors for Velociraptor Awareness Day
Velociraptors were one of the most feared creatures of the prehistoric era. With their sharp claws, quick speed, and cunning intelligence, they were among the deadliest predators that ever roamed the earth. As we celebrate Velociraptor Awareness Day, it’s time to learn some fascinating facts about these amazing creatures.
Fact 1: Velociraptors are Not as Big as they are Shown in Movies
Contrary to what movies like ‘Jurassic Park’ suggest, Velociraptors were not as big as humans. Instead, they were the size of a large turkey. They weighed about 30 pounds and stood no taller than 2.5 feet. So, if you were to face a Velociraptor, it’d be more like a battle with a vicious turkey.
Fact 2: Velociraptors Were Highly Intelligent
Velociraptors had a brain-to-body ratio similar to that of a modern-day bird or reptile. This means they had a highly advanced sense of sight and hearing, as well as an immense cognitive ability. It is believed that they were social animals and hunted in packs, using strategy and tactics similar to today’s wolves.
Fact 3: Velociraptors Had a Unique Feeding Technique
Velociraptors had a unique feeding technique called ‘gape and tear’. They would use their sharp claws to grip prey while using their sturdy beaks to rip off chunks of flesh. This would enable them to swallow the food without chewing. Interestingly, Velociraptors could bite with a force of up to 1,200 pounds per square inch, making their bite much stronger than that of a crocodile.
Fact 4: Velociraptors Had Feathers
New evidence suggests that Velociraptors had feathers, just like modern-day birds. This discovery has been derived from fossilized feathers found in the Yixian Formation of China. It is now believed that most dinosaurs were covered in feathers, and that even the scaly, reptilian dinosaurs we commonly know had feathers at some point in their evolution.
Fact 5: Velociraptors Thrived in Mongolia
Velociraptors were primarily found in Mongolia, and they thrived in the temperate climate of the Gobi desert. This region was home to several other species of dinosaur, including the famous T-rex, which was the apex predator of its time.
In conclusion, Velociraptors were remarkable creatures – highly intelligent, feisty, and unique. By understanding the facts, we can have a greater appreciation for these amazing creatures and their importance in prehistoric times. Happy Velociraptor Awareness Day!
