Mesozoic Era Facts and Its Three Periods
The Mesozoic Era lasted 175 million years from 240 to 65 million years ago. Dinosaurs dominated Earth and the era is known as the Age of the Reptiles. It spans Triassic, Jurassic, and Cretaceous periods with a warmer north and milder winters than today.
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First Dinosaurs Emerge Toward End of Triassic Period
The Triassic spanned about 35 million years from 240 to 205 million years ago. Early life included fish and shellfish, with amphibians laying moist eggs in water. Reptiles developed land eggs, enabling land roaming, and the first turtles, crocodiles, flying reptiles, and later dinosaurs appeared.
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Also Mentioned on This Page
Raymond Rye
Hans-Dieter Sues
Nicholas Hotton III
Scott Wing
Michael Brett-Surman
Department of Paleobiology
National Museum of Natural History
Smithsonian Institution
Pangaea