The Jurassic Period

The Jurassic period is a division of the geologic timescale and spans from about 201 to 145 million years ago. It is the second period of the Mesozoic Era, following the Triassic period and preceding the Cretaceous period.

Key Points to Remember

• The Jurassic period lasted from about 201 to 145 million years ago.
• It is the second period of the Mesozoic Era.
• The period is known for the dominance of dinosaurs, including iconic species such as the Brachiosaurus and Stegosaurus.
• The supercontinent Pangaea began to break apart during the Jurassic, leading to the formation of the Atlantic Ocean.
• Major groups of modern mammals, birds, and flowering plants began to appear during this period.

Study Questions

1. What is the timespan of the Jurassic period?
2. Which period preceded the Jurassic?
3. What are some iconic dinosaur species from the Jurassic period?
4. What significant geological event occurred during the Jurassic period?
5. What major groups of organisms began to appear during the Jurassic?

Further Reading

If you're interested in learning more about the Jurassic period, you can explore books and online resources about prehistoric life, geology, and paleontology.

[Jurassic] Related Worksheets and Study Guides:

• Geologic timeScience • Eighth Grade