endnoteina

Endnoteina is a genus of extinct marine reptiles that lived during the Late Triassic period, approximately 231 to 201 million years ago. The genus is known from a single species, Endnoteina huxleyi, which was first described by paleontologist Alfred Sherwood Romer in 1956. The fossil remains of Endnoteina have been found in South Africa, and they consist of a partial skull, vertebrae, and limb bones.

Endnoteina is classified as a member of the order Erythrosuchia, which includes other extinct marine reptiles such as Erythrosuchus and Stagnolepis. Like other erythrosuchians, Endnoteina had a long, slender snout and a large, flat head, which is thought to have been used for crushing food. The limbs of Endnoteina were relatively short and robust, and the animal likely moved slowly on the seafloor.

The discovery of Endnoteina provides valuable insights into the evolution of marine reptiles during the Triassic period. The genus represents one of the earliest known examples of a fully aquatic reptile, and its fossil remains help to fill in gaps in our understanding of the diversity and adaptations of these ancient animals. Despite its relatively short fossil record, Endnoteina is an important contribution to our knowledge of the early history of marine reptiles.