Olennoisi

Olennoisi is an extinct genus of archosaurs that lived during the Late Triassic period, approximately 205 million years ago. The name Olennoisi is derived from the Greek words "olenos" meaning 'tear' or 'riddle' and "noisi" meaning 'news' or 'utterance'. This refers to the unique characteristics of its fossil record.

Fossil remains of Olennoisi consist of a single skull discovered in 2009 in the Oleniy Ruchey deposit in the Siberian region of Russia. The skull is significant, as it provides evidence of a transition between earlier archosaurs and the origin of the crocodylomorph clade. The genus has been assigned to the group Rauisuchia, a division of reptiles known for their diverse and distinct characteristics.

Measurements of the skull indicate that Olennoisi was a medium-sized predator. The presence of large teeth suggests a carnivorous lifestyle. Similarities in skull structure with other rauisuchians have sparked discussion about the evolutionary relationships within the group. However, limited fossil evidence and inconclusive comparisons with other archosaur genera make it difficult to draw firm conclusions.

More research is needed to accurately place Olennoisi within the archosaur phylogenetic tree and to better understand its characteristics. The Oleniy Ruchey deposit remains an important site for paleontological research due to the numerous finds from the Triassic period.