Velociraptor, or "swift seizer" in Latin, is a genus of dromaeosaurid theropod dinosaur. It thrived approximately 75 million years ago during the tail end of the cretaceous period. Two species are now recognized, although others have been assigned in the past. Velociraptor was a bipedal, feathered, carnivore with a long tail and an enlarged sickle-shaped claw on each hindfoot, used, in theory, to tackle and disembowel prey. Velociraptor can be distinguished from other dromaeosaurids by its long and low skull, with an upturned snout. The fast, powerful predator has become famous because of its appearances in the Jurassic Park movies. Current theory postulates Velociraptor used its claws to puncture vital organs of the throat of its prey, rather than slashing the abdomen. The inside edge of the claw was rounded and not particularly sharp, although only the bony core of the claw is preserved in fossil remains.