Varianzia

Varianzia is a hypothetical genus of extinct marine reptiles that lived during the Late Triassic period. Fossil evidence suggests that members of Varianzia were characterized by their elongated bodies and paddle-like limbs, indicating an adaptation for aquatic life. Their diet likely consisted of small fish and invertebrates, based on the morphology of their teeth and jaw structure.

The discovery of Varianzia fossils has contributed to our understanding of early marine reptile evolution. They appear to belong to a lineage that predates the more well-known ichthyosaurs and plesiosaurs, offering insights into the diversification of marine vertebrates following the Permian-Triassic extinction event. The precise phylogenetic placement of Varianzia within the marine reptile tree is still a subject of ongoing research.

Fossils attributed to Varianzia have been found in specific geological formations dating to the Carnian stage of the Late Triassic. These locations often indicate environments that were shallow marine or coastal. The limited number of specimens found so far makes detailed anatomical study challenging, but ongoing paleontological expeditions may yield further discoveries that could refine our understanding of this ancient marine creature.