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Re: Velociraptor Question



>can a veloceraptor's claw move up and down to slash prey?
>thanks...

Yes, indeed.  Velociraptor (properly capitalized) and its relatives, the
Dromaeosauridae, as well as a few other families (Troodontidae,
Noasauridae) have phalanges (toe bones) of the second toe which have joints
with a very big arc to them, allowing the digit to move through a far
greater angle of motion than a less-specialized toe.  This property is
called "hyperflexion".
                                     
Thomas R. Holtz, Jr.
Vertebrate Paleontologist in Exile
U.S. Geological Survey
Branch of Paleontology & Stratigraphy
MS 970 National Center
Reston, VA  22092

email:  tholtz@geochange.er.usgs.gov 
Phone:  703-648-5280
FAX:            703-648-5420