A recent paper by Phil Manning of the University of Manchester, UK, suggests that Velociraptors may have used their fearsome claws to climb trees and attack prey by leaping down on them. This theory is based on further biomechanical considerations based on his earlier assertion that the claws "could puncture skin and help the dinosaur cling to wounded prey but... [not] rip the skin open." Manning goes on to mention that the Microraptor is now known to have used feathery forelimbs to glide down from trees. These suggestions are further emphasized by the recent findings of Ken Dial at the University of Montana. With slow motion video footage, Dial has shown that ground birds with flight abilities will use their claws to aid their wings in the ascension of vertical surfaces.
(Note: Video starts at 4:58, the relevant area.)
[via io9.com]
UPDATE: Let's Try to Settle This -- Are Birds Dinosaurs?
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