Mesozoic era

Mesozoic Era

The Mesozoic Era is an interval of geological time from about 252 to 66 million years ago. It is also called the Age of Reptiles and the Age of Conifers.

Overview

The Mesozoic was a time of significant tectonic, climate and evolutionary activity. The era witnessed the gradual rifting of the supercontinent Pangaea into separate landmasses that would move into their current positions during the next era. The climate of the Mesozoic was varied, alternating between warming and cooling periods. The Mesozoic ended with the Cretaceous–Paleogene extinction event, a large mass extinction in which many groups, including non-avian dinosaurs, pterosaurs and large marine reptiles, died out.

Periods

The Mesozoic Era is divided into three time periods: the Triassic, Jurassic, and Cretaceous periods.

Triassic Period

The Triassic period (252 to 201 million years ago) was a time of recovery and diversification after the Permian–Triassic extinction event. The period ended with a mass extinction event.

Jurassic Period

The Jurassic period (201 to 145 million years ago) was characterized by a warm, wet climate that gave rise to lush vegetation and abundant life. Many new dinosaurs evolved, as did the first birds.

Cretaceous Period

The Cretaceous period (145 to 66 million years ago) was characterized by a warmer climate and high sea levels. The period ended with the Cretaceous–Paleogene extinction event.

Flora and Fauna

The Mesozoic was a time of drastic change in the plant and animal kingdoms. Dinosaurs, pterosaurs, and large marine reptiles dominated the era, while mammals remained small and nocturnal. The first flowering plants appeared in the Cretaceous period.

See Also

• Geologic time scale
• Paleozoic
• Cenozoic

References

Mesozoic era Resources
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