The geologic time scale is a record of the major events and diversity of life forms present in Earth's history. The geologic time scale began when Earth was formed and goes on until the present. It divides Earth's long history into units of time.
Mesozoic Era
"Middle Life"
Age of Reptiles and the Dinosaurs
Approximately 248 Million Years - 65 Million Years
The Mesozoic Era extended from approximately 248 million to 65 million years ago where life diversified rapidly to include giant reptiles, dinosaurs and other monstrous beasts that roamed the Earth. The Mesozoic Era landscape was also occupied by insects, early mammals, plants such as conifers and ferns, fish, and finally flowering plants and early birds.
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The climate during the Mesozoic Era was very humid and tropical, and many lush, green plants sprouted all over the Earth. Dinosaurs started off small and grew larger as the Mesozoic Era went on. Herbivores thrived. Small mammals came into existence, and birds evolved from the dinosaurs.
Another mass extinction marked the end of the Mesozoic Era, whether triggered by a giant asteroid or comet impact, volcanic activity, more gradual climate change, or various combinations of these factors. All the dinosaurs and many other animals, especially herbivores, died off, leaving niches to be filled by new species such as mammals in the coming era.
Another mass extinction marked the end of the Mesozoic Era, whether triggered by a giant asteroid or comet impact, volcanic activity, more gradual climate change, or various combinations of these factors. All the dinosaurs and many other animals, especially herbivores, died off, leaving niches to be filled by new species such as mammals in the coming era.
Common Animals of the Mesozoic Era
Common Plants of the Mesozoic Era
Catastrophic Events of the Mesozoic Era |
- The mass extinction that ended the era caused many of the dinosaurs to become extinct.
- Impact event from a large asteroid or comet caused drastic climate change.
- Other natural-extinction factors.
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Topic Tips
- The Mesozoic Era was the era of dinosaurs.
- Most dinosaurs went extinct about 65-66 million years ago.
- The Mesozoic Era is theorized to have ended due to a large impact event from a comet or asteroid that ultimately caused rapid global climate changes.