Raptor Vertebrae (Dromaeosaur)
Age 68 - 66 Million Years Old (Late Cretaceous)
Discovered: South Dakota (Hell Creek Formation)
Vertbeare measres roughly 4cm long and 2.5cm wide. 
 
Dromaeosaurs, commonly known as raptors, were a group of small to medium-sized theropod dinosaurs that lived during the Late Cretaceous period, approximately 85 to 65 million years ago. One of the distinctive features of dromaeosaurs was their remarkable agility and intelligence, characteristics that set them apart from many other dinosaur groups. The most famous member of this group is perhaps Velociraptor, which gained widespread recognition through popular culture, notably in movies like "Jurassic Park."
 
The vertebral column, or backbone, of dromaeosaurs played a crucial role in supporting their agile and predatory lifestyle. Their vertebrae were designed to provide a combination of flexibility and stability, allowing these dinosaurs to make swift and precise movements. The tail of dromaeosaurs, in particular, was a key component of their locomotion and hunting strategies. Composed of a series of elongated and flexible vertebrae, the tail served as a counterbalance during rapid maneuvers, enhancing their ability to navigate through diverse landscapes and pursue prey.
 
The vertebrae of dromaeosaurs also reflect adaptations for a bipedal stance, with the hind limbs being longer and more robust than the forelimbs. This anatomical arrangement facilitated their distinctive running and leaping abilities. Additionally, the structure of their vertebrae suggests a well-developed system of muscles and ligaments that contributed to the efficiency of their movements. The combination of a strong, flexible spine and specialized tail allowed dromaeosaurs to be highly effective and agile predators, making them formidable hunters in the Late Cretaceous ecosystems they inhabited.