The Velociraptor, an iconic dinosaur from the Cretaceous period, continues to captivate both scientists and the general public. Popularized through movies and media, this small yet formidable carnivore holds a significant place in paleontology.

As part of the theropod group, Velociraptor measured about 6.5 feet (2 meters) in length and stood approximately 3 feet (1 meter) tall at the hip. Its most recognizable feature was the long, curved, and sickle-shaped claw on each foot, reaching up to 6 inches (15 centimeters) in length. These claws were likely used to immobilize and dismember its prey with great precision.

Contrary to previous beliefs, recent discoveries have unveiled that Velociraptor had a coat of feathers covering its body. These feathers, adapted for insulation and possibly display purposes, would have given Velociraptor a bird-like appearance.

Living during the Late Cretaceous period, around 75 to 71 million years ago, Velociraptor belonged to the Dromaeosauridae family, which includes other remarkable species such as Deinonychus and Utahraptor. The presence of feathers in Velociraptor provides evidence linking dinosaurs to modern-day birds, supporting the theory of avian evolution from theropod dinosaurs.