|
Mesozoic
Era: 251-65.5 Million Years Ago
The
Mesozoic Era is the second geologic era of the Phanerozoic
Eon. The Mesozoic Era spans from 251 to 65.5 Million years
ago and is divided into three geologic periods inlcuding
the Triassic, Jurassic and Cretaceous. Mesozoic is derived
from the Greek terms for "the middle" meso and
animal zo (Borror,
1988, pp 58 & 111). The Mesozoic is best known for the
appearance and diversification of the dinosaurs, swimming
and flying
reptiles. However, the Mesozoic also saw the appearance of
mammals, birds, modern type primary producers in the oceans,
flowers and social insects. The mass extinction that defines
the end of the Mesozoic Era captures the publics attention
because it resulted in the extinction of the non-avian dinosaurs.
You can explore the different periods of the Mesozoic Era
by clicking on the pictures below or using our drop down
menu. |
Cretaceous
|

Jurassic
|
Triassic
|
Bibliography
|
Borror,
D.J. (1988). Dictionary of Word Roots and Combining
Forms. California: Mayfield Publishing Company. |
|