Basic Dromaeosar Info
Dromaeosaurs, also called “raptors” were small, quick, feathered Theropods from the Cretaceous. Their best-known characteristic was the “sickle” claw on their inside toes. Dromaeosaurs gained popularity thanks to inaccurate portrayals in Hollywood films. Supporters of dinosaur-bird evolution like to use Dromaeosaurs to support the theory, which is still, believe it or not, highly controversial. Some of the better-known Dromaeosaurid genra are below.
Dromaeosaurus
Compared to its close relatives, Dromaeosaurus had a heavily built skull, which was more suited for the higher pressures required for crushing. It lived during the late Cretaceous in North America and was about 6 feet long and 35 pounds.
Microraptor
Microraptor was a very small Dromaeosaurid, measuring in at less than 3 feet long. It lived during the late Cretaceous in Asia. Due to the remarkable preservation of their remains, we now have more insight on the bird-dinosaur relationship. Because it had small, relatively ineffective wings on its arms and legs, some believe it would have been a tree-dweller, using its wings to glide from tree-to-tree.
Utahraptor
Coming from the early Cretaceous of North America, Utahraptor was the largest of the Dromaeosaurids. The largest known specimen would have been about 23 feet long, with evidence of much larger individuals (about 36 feet long). If Utahraptor did indeed get to 36 feet long, this would have put it in the same physical size range of the average Allosaurus, though Utahraptor would have been lighter, making for a faster, more nimble predator (not to mention absolutely fear-inducing).
Velociraptor
Velociraptor is the most famous of the Dromaeosaurids. It lived during the late Cretaceous of Asia and was much smaller than portrayed in popular films (less than 7 feet long and under 40 pounds). The most famous Velociraptor specimen was discovered “fighting” a Protoceratops.
Dromaeosaurs, also called “raptors” were small, quick, feathered Theropods from the Cretaceous. Their best-known characteristic was the “sickle” claw on their inside toes. Dromaeosaurs gained popularity thanks to inaccurate portrayals in Hollywood films. Supporters of dinosaur-bird evolution like to use Dromaeosaurs to support the theory, which is still, believe it or not, highly controversial. Some of the better-known Dromaeosaurid genra are below.
Dromaeosaurus
Compared to its close relatives, Dromaeosaurus had a heavily built skull, which was more suited for the higher pressures required for crushing. It lived during the late Cretaceous in North America and was about 6 feet long and 35 pounds.
Microraptor
Microraptor was a very small Dromaeosaurid, measuring in at less than 3 feet long. It lived during the late Cretaceous in Asia. Due to the remarkable preservation of their remains, we now have more insight on the bird-dinosaur relationship. Because it had small, relatively ineffective wings on its arms and legs, some believe it would have been a tree-dweller, using its wings to glide from tree-to-tree.
Utahraptor
Coming from the early Cretaceous of North America, Utahraptor was the largest of the Dromaeosaurids. The largest known specimen would have been about 23 feet long, with evidence of much larger individuals (about 36 feet long). If Utahraptor did indeed get to 36 feet long, this would have put it in the same physical size range of the average Allosaurus, though Utahraptor would have been lighter, making for a faster, more nimble predator (not to mention absolutely fear-inducing).
Velociraptor
Velociraptor is the most famous of the Dromaeosaurids. It lived during the late Cretaceous of Asia and was much smaller than portrayed in popular films (less than 7 feet long and under 40 pounds). The most famous Velociraptor specimen was discovered “fighting” a Protoceratops.
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