The Velociraptor

This was one of the smallest predators, but also one of the most agressive and smartes predators of them all. It was about 1,5 meters long, 180 centimeters high and weighted about 60-100 kilos. Because of the size it is believed that it also was one of the fastest predators, but the size made it almost impossible for it to catch larger preys. Therefore it is believed that they, like the lions, hunted in larger groups of maybe three or more, to be able to cath larger preys that they could on their own. The Raptor was, like its relative Deynonius, well equipped for hunting. On its hindlegs it had a claw designed for killing. The rasoredge of the claw was used to cut the stomack of the pray. It is very possible that they may have started eating while the prey was still allive...

Nevly discovered fosils show that Velociraptor was not skinned like the T-Rex, but was covered with featherlooking fure.
The velociraptor vas closely related to the Deinonychus, and more details of can be found at the Deinonychus site.



Press the picture for larger wiev, and the picture will pop up
in a new window (nb; text in norwegian)

In same family was both the Oviraptor and the Deynonius, both very dangerous and agressive dinos. The Oviraptor was not so large itself, but was a bot larger than Velociraptor. Common for all these predators was the claw on the hindlegs, and the intelligence, allowing them to hunt in flok, and not only couples. and even thoug the Deynonius was a bit slow compared to Velociraptor, it was a large deal faster that the T-Rex, that must be looked at as very slow compared to its status in at earth as predator. Deynonius was able to get its preur alone without any help, but prefered to hunt in small groups to avoid failour. The Oviraptor also hunted in small groups but was also able to provide itself without help. Althoug it had to hunt in groups while feeding the youngs.