Abstract
The skull of the small theropod dinosaurVelociraptor mongoliensis is described in detail, using the holotype from the Djadokhta Formation (Campanian) of Mongolia. A reconstruction of the skull is attempted.Velociraptor is closely related toDeinonychus andDromaeosaurus; however, it is distinguished from all other dromaeosaurids described by its relatively long, low skull and a depressed muzzle.
The affinities ofVelociraptor are discussed and the taxonomic status of all other previously described East Asian dromaeosaurids is examined.
Zusammenfassung
Der Schadel des kleinen carnivoren DinosauriersVelociraptor mongoliensis wird erstmalig detailliert beschrieben auf der Grundlage des Holotypus aus der Djadokhta-Formation (Campanium) in der Mongolei. Eine Rekonstruktion des Schädels wird versucht.Velociraptor zeigt enge verwandtschaftliche Beziehungen zuDeinonychus undDromaeosaurus; die Gattung unterscheidet sich jedoch deutlich von alien anderen bisher beschriebenen Dromaeosauriden durch den relativ langen und niedrigen Schädel und durch die niedrige Schnauze.
Im Zusammenhang mit der Diskussion der verwandtschaftlichen Beziehungen vonVelociraptor wird die taxonomische Stellung aller bisher beschriebenen ostasiatischen Dromaeosauriden kritisch gesichtet.
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Sues, HD. The skull ofvelociraptor mongoliensis, a small cretaceous theropod dinosaur from Mongolia. Paläont. Z. 51, 173–184 (1977). https://doi.org/10.1007/BF02986567
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/BF02986567