Ratkaisia

Ratkaisia is a genus of extinct marine reptiles belonging to the order Sauropterygia, which thrived during the Late Triassic period approximately 235 to 201 million years ago. The genus is characterized by its semi-aquatic adaptations, with fossil evidence primarily recovered from regions that are now parts of Europe and North America. Ratkaisia species displayed a range of body sizes, with some estimates suggesting lengths of up to 3 meters.

Morphologically, Ratkaisia exhibited elongated bodies with flexible necks, streamlined limbs, and paddle-like flippers that facilitated efficient swimming. Its skull was elongated with sharp, conical teeth suited for catching fish and other small marine prey. The vertebral column was reinforced for both aquatic locomotion and flexibility. As a marine reptile, Ratkaisia played a significant role in its ecosystem as a predator within Triassic marine food webs.

Fossil discoveries of Ratkaisia have contributed to understanding the evolutionary transition from early marine reptiles to more advanced forms such as placodonts and eventually modern marine reptiles like sea turtles and mosasaurs. Its geological context indicates a habitat in shallow coastal seas, where it likely hunted in a semi-open environment.

The study of Ratkaisia fossils provides insights into the diversity and adaptive strategies of Triassic marine reptiles, highlighting the evolutionary experiments in marine adaptation following the end-Permian mass extinction. Although relatively less known compared to other Triassic sauropterygians, Ratkaisia remains an important genus in understanding the early diversification of marine reptiles during the Mesozoic era.