EARLY CRETACEOUS Meaning and
Definition
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The Early Cretaceous refers to a specific interval of Earth's geological history that lasted from approximately 145 million years ago to 100 million years ago. It represents the first part of the Cretaceous period, which is itself part of the Mesozoic Era. The Early Cretaceous is characterized by significant geological and biological changes across the planet.
Geologically, during this period, the supercontinent Pangaea continued to break apart, resulting in the separation of landmasses into distinct continents. Tectonic activity was relatively high, leading to the formation of numerous mountain ranges and the occurrence of volcanic eruptions. The sea levels rose and fell throughout this interval, resulting in fluctuations in the distribution of shallow seas and sedimentary environments.
Biologically, the Early Cretaceous witnessed the dominance of reptilian groups, including dinosaurs, in terrestrial ecosystems. Numerous new species of dinosaurs emerged during this period, including some of the most iconic ones like Allosaurus and Iguanodon. Additionally, early mammals and birds showed gradual diversification and evolution, adapting to the changing environments.
The Early Cretaceous is known for its rich fossil record that provides valuable insights into the Earth's ancient ecosystems and the evolutionary history of various organisms. These fossils, alongside geological data, help scientists reconstruct past environments, track changes in biodiversity, and understand the intricate processes occurring during this geological epoch. By studying the Early Cretaceous, researchers gain a better understanding of the dynamic nature of our planet's history and how life has evolved over millions of years.
Etymology of EARLY CRETACEOUS
The word "early" originates from the Old English word "ærlīce", which means "early, soon". It can be traced back to the Proto-Germanic word "*erlīko", meaning "early". The term "Cretaceous" comes from the Latin word "creta", which means "chalk". It was introduced by the Swiss naturalist Alexandre Brongniart in 1822 to describe a geological time period rich in chalk deposits. Over time, the term "Cretaceous" has been used to refer to the geological period between the Jurassic and Paleogene periods. When combined, "early Cretaceous" refers to the specific early portion of the Cretaceous period.
