Jurassic Period

The Jurassic Period is the second period of the Mesozoic Era, spanning from 201.3 million years ago to 145 million years ago. It is known for the dominance of dinosaurs and the evolution of many new species.

Key Events and Features of the Jurassic Period

Dinosaurs: The Jurassic Period is often referred to as the "Age of Dinosaurs" due to the dominance and diversification of dinosaur species.
Pangaea Breakup: During the early Jurassic, the supercontinent Pangaea began to break up, leading to the formation of separate landmasses.
Marine Life: The Jurassic seas were home to diverse marine life, including large marine reptiles such as ichthyosaurs and plesiosaurs.
Flora: The Jurassic saw the evolution of new plant species, including the first appearance of coniferous trees and flowering plants.
Geological Formations: Many famous geological formations, such as the Morrison Formation in North America, date back to the Jurassic Period.

Study Guide

To better understand the Jurassic Period, consider the following study points:

Research and identify at least three different dinosaur species that lived during the Jurassic Period. Describe their physical characteristics and habitats.
Examine the evidence for the breakup of Pangaea during the Jurassic Period. How did this geological event impact the distribution of landmasses and the evolution of species?
Investigate the fossil record of marine life from the Jurassic Period. What were some of the key marine reptiles that thrived during this time, and how did they adapt to their oceanic environments?
Explore the plant life of the Jurassic Period. What were some of the dominant plant species, and how did they contribute to the ecosystem?
Study the significance of famous geological formations from the Jurassic Period, such as the Morrison Formation. What do these formations reveal about the ancient environment and the creatures that inhabited it?