Mesozoic Era
Introduction
The Mesozoic Era, also known as the Age of Reptiles, is a geological era that spanned approximately 186 million years, from around 252 to 66 million years ago. This era is most famous for the rise and dominance of dinosaurs, but it also saw the evolution of many other significant life forms and geological events.
Geology of the Mesozoic Era
The Mesozoic was a time of significant geological activity, with the supercontinent Pangaea beginning to rift and break apart. This era is divided into three geological periods: the Triassic, Jurassic, and Cretaceous periods.
Triassic Period
The Triassic Period (252 to 201 million years ago) marked the beginning of the Mesozoic Era. This period was characterized by a hot, dry climate and the first appearance of dinosaurs.
Jurassic Period
The Jurassic Period (201 to 145 million years ago) was a time of significant change and diversification. The climate was generally warm and humid, and dinosaurs became the dominant terrestrial vertebrates.
Cretaceous Period
The Cretaceous Period (145 to 66 million years ago) was the last period of the Mesozoic Era. It was a time of significant geological change, with the breakup of Pangaea into the continents we know today.
Life in the Mesozoic Era
The Mesozoic Era is often referred to as the "Age of Reptiles" due to the dominance of dinosaurs and other reptiles during this time. However, it also saw the evolution of many other significant life forms.
Dinosaurs
Dinosaurs are perhaps the most well-known creatures of the Mesozoic Era. They first appeared during the Triassic Period and quickly became the dominant terrestrial vertebrates.
Marine Life
The Mesozoic seas were home to a variety of marine life, including ichthyosaurs, plesiosaurs, and ammonites.
Plant Life
The Mesozoic Era also saw significant changes in plant life. The first flowering plants appeared during the Cretaceous Period, changing the landscape dramatically.
End of the Mesozoic Era
The Mesozoic Era ended with the Cretaceous–Paleogene extinction event, also known as the K-T event. This was a mass extinction event that led to the extinction of approximately 75% of all species on Earth, including most dinosaurs.