Mesozoic Era

The Mesozoic era, also known as the age of reptiles, is a geological era that spans from about 252 to 66 million years ago. It is divided into three periods: the Triassic, Jurassic, and Cretaceous periods. The Mesozoic era is known for the emergence and dominance of dinosaurs, as well as significant geological and biological changes.

Key Events and Features

• Dinosaurs: The Mesozoic era is often referred to as the "Age of Dinosaurs" because these reptiles dominated the terrestrial ecosystems during this time.
• Pangea: The supercontinent Pangea began to break apart during the Mesozoic era, leading to the formation of separate landmasses and the evolution of distinct flora and fauna on different continents.
• Evolution of Mammals: While dinosaurs were dominant, the Mesozoic era also saw the early evolution and diversification of mammals, including the emergence of small, rodent-like creatures.
• Flowering Plants: The Mesozoic era witnessed the rise and diversification of flowering plants, which eventually became the dominant vegetation on Earth.

Geological Changes

During the Mesozoic era, the Earth experienced significant geological changes, including the breakup of Pangea, the formation of new mountain ranges, and the evolution of new ocean basins.

Study Questions

1. What are the three periods of the Mesozoic era?
2. Describe the dominance of dinosaurs during the Mesozoic era.
3. How did the breakup of Pangea impact the Earth's biodiversity?
4. What were some of the key evolutionary developments during the Mesozoic era?
5. Explain the significance of flowering plants during this era.

Further Reading

For further study on the Mesozoic era, consider exploring topics such as dinosaur biology, paleogeography, and the impact of mass extinctions on the Earth's ecosystems.

[Mesozoic] Related Worksheets and Study Guides:

• Geologic timeScience • Eighth Grade