The term "Mesozoic" refers to a specific geological era that spanned approximately 252 to 66 million years ago. The Mesozoic era is commonly known as the "Age of Reptiles" due to the prominence of various reptilian species during this time. It is one of three major eras in Earth's history, preceded by the Paleozoic era and followed by the Cenozoic era.
During the Mesozoic era, the Earth witnessed significant changes in its climate, geography, and life forms. This era is further divided into three major periods: the Triassic, Jurassic, and Cretaceous. The Triassic period marked the beginning of the Mesozoic era, characterized by the development of diverse reptilian species, including dinosaurs and crocodilians. The Jurassic period witnessed the rise and dominance of dinosaurs, particularly large and powerful ones, and also saw the emergence of early mammals and flowering plants. The Cretaceous period was marked by the continuation of dinosaur dominance and the diversification of angiosperms (flowering plants).
The Mesozoic era came to a dramatic end with a mass extinction event known as the Cretaceous-Paleogene (K-Pg) extinction event, which wiped out numerous species, including the dinosaurs, ammonites, and pterosaurs. This extinction event paved the way for the emergence of mammals and the subsequent dominance of mammals in the Cenozoic era.
Overall, the Mesozoic era represents a crucial period in the Earth's history, shaping the evolution of numerous species and laying the foundations for the modern diversity of life forms we see today.
