Branchien

Branchien is a genus of extinct marine reptiles that lived during the Late Triassic period, approximately 237 to 201 million years ago. They are known for their distinctive, branch-like appendages, which are believed to have been used for swimming and capturing prey. Branchien fossils have been found in Europe, North America, and South America, indicating a widespread distribution during the Triassic.

The genus Branchien is characterized by its elongated body, which was likely adapted for a semi-aquatic lifestyle. The branch-like appendages, or "branches," are thought to have been used for swimming and capturing prey, similar to the way modern-day sea turtles use their flippers. The branches are supported by a series of bones, which are connected to the main body by a flexible joint.

Branchien is believed to have been a carnivorous reptile, with its diet likely consisting of fish and other small aquatic animals. The genus is known from a number of well-preserved fossils, including complete skeletons and partial skeletons with soft tissue preservation. These fossils have provided valuable insights into the anatomy and behavior of Branchien, as well as the evolution of marine reptiles in general.

Despite their distinctive appearance, Branchien is not closely related to modern-day turtles or other marine reptiles. Instead, they are believed to have been a member of the order Thalattosauria, a group of early marine reptiles that evolved during the Triassic period. The exact relationship between Branchien and other Thalattosaurs remains uncertain, but it is clear that Branchien played an important role in the evolution of marine ecosystems during the Triassic.