Dromeosaurs, or "raptors," were advanced predatory dinosaurs, with many birdlike features. They had long, grasping forelimbs tipped with meat-hook claws, powerful legs for leaping and running, a tail that was flexible at the base but stiffened like a riding crop for most of its length to be used as a counterballance and to aid with agility, and a mouth full of serrated, blade-like teeth. The inner toe of each foot mounted a sickle shaped claw that is normally carried clear of the ground, but could be rotated down in a "switchblade" fashion for impaling prey. Long thought to be a slashing weapon for raking and disembowling, recent research indicates it was probably used more like a piton, driven into the flanks of the prey to help the raptor hang on while dispatching its victim with bites from its fearsome teeth. When hunting, the dromeosaurids likely crept close to their quarry, then pounced with a great leap or rapid dash. They would hold on with their claws, both fore and aft, while ripping with their teeth. Dromeosaurs are known to be covered in feathers for insulation.
There is some evidence that at least some dromeosaurs hunted in small packs, like modern lions or wolves. They likely had good vision, perhaps as good as modern birds. Mother dromeosaurs probably layed eggs in a nest and then brooded the eggs with their body heat. They probably looked after their young for some time after hatching.
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