Homanus

Homanus is a genus of extinct marine reptiles belonging to the order Notosauria, which includes both marine and terrestrial forms. It is known from the Late Triassic and Early Jurassic periods, approximately 210 to 180 million years ago. The type species, Homanus robustus, was first described in 1935 based on fossils found in Germany.

Homanus is characterized by its robust build, with a long, low skull and a large, robust body. It had four short, powerful limbs adapted for swimming, and a long, powerful tail for propulsion. The skull of Homanus was equipped with sharp teeth, suggesting a carnivorous diet. The genus name Homanus is derived from the Latin word "homo," meaning man, and the Greek suffix "-anus," referring to a man-like creature, reflecting its human-like appearance.

Fossils of Homanus have been found in various parts of Europe, including Germany, Switzerland, and France. These fossils provide valuable insights into the ecology and evolution of marine reptiles during the Mesozoic era. Homanus is considered an important transitional form between earlier notosaurs and later marine reptiles like ichthyosaurs and plesiosaurs.

The extinction of Homanus is thought to have been caused by the same factors that led to the extinction of many other marine reptiles at the end of the Triassic period, including climate change and competition with more advanced marine predators. Despite its short existence, Homanus played a significant role in the evolution of marine life during the Mesozoic era.