CRETACEOUS Meaning and
Definition
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The term "cretaceous" refers to a specific geological period that is recognized as the latest period of the Mesozoic Era, lasting from approximately 145 to 66 million years ago. It is characterized by the presence of a diverse range of ancient marine and terrestrial life forms, including the well-known dinosaurs. The name "cretaceous" is derived from the Latin word "creta," which means "chalk," indicating the prevalence of chalk deposits during this period.
During the Cretaceous period, Earth experienced significant climatic and geological changes, resulting in the breakup of the supercontinent Pangaea. This led to the formation of the Atlantic Ocean and the gradual separation of major landmasses. The climate was generally warm, with high sea levels and extensive shallow seas that allowed for the expansion of marine life. Coral reefs flourished, and ammonites, belemnites, and other marine invertebrates were abundant.
On land, flowering plants (angiosperms) began to diversify and dominate the vegetation, establishing new ecosystems and providing habitats for a variety of herbivorous dinosaurs. Cretaceous also witnessed the evolution of some of the largest dinosaurs, including Tyrannosaurus rex and Triceratops. Additionally, the first true birds appeared during this period.
The Cretaceous period ended with a mass extinction event, known as the Cretaceous-Paleogene (K-Pg) extinction event, which resulted in the extinction of many dinosaur and marine reptile species. The exact cause of this extinction event is still debated among scientists, but it is commonly associated with the impact of a large asteroid or comet near what is now the Yucatan Peninsula in Mexico, which triggered widespread environmental devastation.
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Composed of chalk; chalky; in geol., the last or uppermost of the secondary formations, in which chalk-beds form its most notable features.
Etymological and pronouncing dictionary of the English language. By Stormonth, James, Phelp, P. H. Published 1874.
Top Common Misspellings for CRETACEOUS *
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Other Common Misspellings for CRETACEOUS
Etymology of CRETACEOUS
The word "cretaceous" is derived from the Latin term "cretaceus" which means "chalky". It is a reference to the chalky appearance of the rocks that were formed during the Cretaceous Period. The name of the period itself was coined in the early 19th century by French naturalist and geologist Alexandre Brongniart.
Idioms with the word CRETACEOUS
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the Cretaceous
The idiom "the Cretaceous" refers to a geological period that lasted from around 145 to 66 million years ago, known for the dominance of dinosaurs and the development of numerous other extinct species. The term can also be used metaphorically to refer to something ancient, old-fashioned, or other qualities associated with that period.
Similar spelling words for CRETACEOUS
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