Despite its birdlike plumage Velociraptor mongoliensis was not a
flier. Its short forelimbs made liftoff impossible, though they may be
the evolutionary remnants of an ancient ancestor’s flight-giving wings.
Recent research suggests that Velociraptor mongoliensis
was a feathered dinosaur. A forelimb fossil discovered in Mongolia
showed quill knobs like those found in many modern birds. These telltale
features are evidence of where ligaments attached flight feathers to
bone and are considered proof that Velociraptor sported a fine feathery coat.
The dinosaur's plumage may have been used for mating or other visual displays, similar to how modern birds use their colorful feathers, or to help regulate body temperature. The feathers might also have helped females protect their eggs.
The dinosaur's plumage may have been used for mating or other visual displays, similar to how modern birds use their colorful feathers, or to help regulate body temperature. The feathers might also have helped females protect their eggs.
