Jurassic Period

The Jurassic Period is the second period of the Mesozoic Era, spanning from approximately 201 to 145 million years ago. It is named after the Jura Mountains within the European Alps, where rocks from this period were first studied.

Key Events

• Geological Events: During the Jurassic Period, the supercontinent Pangaea began to break apart, leading to the formation of the Atlantic Ocean. This tectonic activity also resulted in the creation of new mountain ranges.
• Climate: The climate during the Jurassic Period was generally warmer than today, with high levels of carbon dioxide in the atmosphere. This warmth allowed for the proliferation of diverse plant and animal life.
• Flora and Fauna: The Jurassic Period is known for the dominance of dinosaurs, including iconic species like Brachiosaurus, Stegosaurus, and Allosaurus. The first birds and mammals also appeared during this time.

Study Guide

To understand the Jurassic Period in depth, it's important to focus on the following key areas:

1. Geological Changes: Study the processes that led to the breakup of Pangaea and the formation of new ocean basins and mountain ranges.
2. Climate and Atmosphere: Explore the impact of high carbon dioxide levels on the global climate and its implications for the evolution of life.
3. Dinosaur Diversity: Learn about the different types of dinosaurs that roamed the Earth during the Jurassic Period and their ecological roles.
4. Evolutionary Milestones: Investigate the early appearances of birds and mammals, and how they adapted to the changing environment.

By delving into these areas, you can gain a comprehensive understanding of the Jurassic Period and its significance in the history of life on Earth.

[Jurassic] Related Worksheets and Study Guides:

• Geologic timeScience • Eighth Grade