Velociraptor: Predator or Scavenger?
Velociraptor’s Dinosaur Diet
Velociraptor, a small but formidable dinosaur, has long been known for its sharp claws and teeth. But what did this Cretaceous killer actually eat?
One possibility is Protoceratops, a small horned dinosaur. In 1971, a fossil was discovered showing a Velociraptor and Protoceratops locked in combat. However, it’s unclear whether the Velociraptor was hunting the Protoceratops or defending itself.
More recently, a fossil was found containing the remains of a pterosaur inside a Velociraptor’s stomach. This suggests that Velociraptor may have also scavenged on pterosaurs.
Evidence of Scavenging
In 1995, a partial skeleton of an azhdarchid pterosaur was discovered with bite marks from a small predatory dinosaur. The scavenger was identified as Saurornitholestes, a cousin of Velociraptor.
The Role of Scavenging
Even highly active predators like Velociraptor will scavenge if the opportunity arises. This is not surprising, as scavenging provides an easy source of food.
In the case of Velociraptor, scavenging may have been especially important because it was a relatively small predator. Smaller predators are more likely to be outcompeted by larger predators, so scavenging can help them supplement their diet.
Hunting and Scavenging Behavior
The evidence suggests that Velociraptor was both a hunter and a scavenger. However, it’s difficult to determine which type of behavior was more important.
Scavenging is more likely to leave behind evidence in the fossil record than hunting. This is because scavengers often leave tell-tale signs of damage on the carcasses they consume.
The Predatory Ecology of Velociraptor
Velociraptor was a versatile predator that was able to adapt to a variety of food sources. This adaptability may have been one of the keys to its success.
Despite its celebrity, we are still just beginning to understand how Velociraptor hunted and fed. However, the evidence suggests that it was a both a cunning predator and an opportunistic scavenger.
Additional Evidence
- A study published in 2010 found evidence of tooth marks on Protoceratops bones that were consistent with Velociraptor predation.
- A study published in 2012 described a fossil containing the remains of a pterosaur inside a Velociraptor’s body cavity.
- A study published in 2011 examined the predatory ecology of Deinonychus, a close relative of Velociraptor, and found that it was likely a specialized predator of small mammals.
Conclusion
The evidence suggests that Velociraptor was a versatile predator that was able to adapt to a variety of food sources. This adaptability may have been one of the keys to its success.
