Answer: Slower query performance and increased storage consumption

The correct answer is B because when non-native values like dates and timestamps are stored in a VARIANT column, they are stored as strings rather than in their native optimized formats. This leads to slower query performance due to the need for runtime type conversion and processing overhead, and increased storage consumption because string representations typically require more space than native binary formats. The community discussion unanimously supports B with 100% consensus, citing Snowflake documentation that confirms these performance and storage impacts. Options A and C are incorrect because they suggest improved query performance, which contradicts the documented behavior. Option D is incorrect because while query performance is slower, storage consumption increases rather than decreases.

Author: LeetQuiz Editorial Team