The Mesozoic Era, spanning from approximately 251 million years ago to 65 million years ago, is a geological time period known as the "Age of Reptiles" or the "Age of Dinosaurs." It is the middle era of the Phanerozoic Eon, succeeding the Paleozoic Era and preceding the Cenozoic Era.
The Mesozoic Era is divided into three major periods, each characterized by significant geological and biological events. These periods include the Triassic Period, Jurassic Period, and Cretaceous Period.
During the Mesozoic Era, the continents were arranged in a supercontinent called Pangaea, which began to break apart, leading to the formation of separate landmasses that roughly resemble the modern continents. This process of continental drift influenced the development of diverse ecosystems and climatic variations across the globe.
The defining feature of the Mesozoic Era is the dominance of reptiles, which includes the rise and eventual extinction of dinosaurs. These ancient creatures, which evolved to have a wide range of sizes, shapes, and behaviors, played a significant role in terrestrial ecosystems during this time.
The Mesozoic Era also witnessed the evolution and diversification of various other groups of animals, including mammals, birds, insects, and early flowering plants. This era marked important milestones in the history of life on Earth, such as the emergence of the first mammals and the evolution of birds from small theropod dinosaurs.
The end of the Mesozoic Era is marked by a mass extinction event, known as the Cretaceous-Paleogene extinction event, which resulted in the extinction of dinosaurs and many other species. This event allowed for the subsequent diversification and expansion of mammals and other groups, setting the stage for the next era, the Cenozo
