The Balaur, a small raptor first discovered in 2010, is a prime example of the evolutionary "island effect." Isolated on an island, the Balaur evolved away from its more famous cousin, the Velociraptor. It developed two giant foot claws instead of one, a low center of gravity, and bulky, muscular legs. It was essentially a beefed up version of a regular raptor, and specialized in kicking prey much larger than itself to the ground like some kind of Mesozoic ninja. Artwork by NTamura.
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