Mesozoic Age: Definition, Period, Characteristics, Extinction, Relics

The Mesozoic Era lasted from 252 to 66 million years ago.

This era is also referred to as the age of reptiles, because according to paleontologist Gideon Mantell in the 19th century, it is estimated that this period was dominated by reptiles such as iguanodon,megalosaurus,Plesiosaur, as well as what is now called Pseudosuchia.

This era is an era where reptiles, especially dinosaurs, and the development of ammonites and ancient seed plants.

The Mesozoic Era lasted 186 million years when the Cenozoic Era began. This period is divided into three geological periods, from the oldest to the youngest.

Division of the Mesozoic Age

a. Triassic Period (245 million-208 million years ago)

The Triassic Age is an era when reptiles and animals giant dinosaurs began to appear.

The presence of more ammonite, gastropods and bivalves are also increasing. In addition, Cynodonts, a type of reptile similar to the flesh-eating mammals, also began to develop.

The first mammals began to appear and aquatic reptiles such as turtles and turtles also increased.

At this time the continent of Pangea moved to the north and formed a desert there. The ice sheet on the south side is melting and cracks are starting to form in Pangea.

b. Jurassic Period (208 million-145 million years ago)

The Jurassic Age was the heyday for the dinosaurs who ruled the land. While the oceans were dominated by marine reptiles such as Ichthyosaurs and Plesiosaurs. And in the air ruled by flying reptiles like Pterosaurs and Pterodactyls.

Archeopteryx was the first bird to appear on earth. Several types of crocodiles also continue to grow, followed by ammonite and Belemnit which is expanding.

Plants like Ginko, Benetit and Sequoia abundant, and the presence of conifers became common.

In this era, Pangea split apart. North America is separated from Africa, while South America is separated from Antarctica and Australia.

In Indonesia itself, fossils of Ichthyosaurus teeth (a type of marine reptile that lived at the time of the dinosaurs) in the area spooky island (which used to be an ocean).

c. Cretaceous Age (145 million-65 million years ago)

The Cretaceous Age was a heyday for dinosaurs and flying reptiles. Here, mammals and also flowering plants begin to develop into various kinds and forms.

This is also the time when placental mammals first appeared. And at this time the climate or weather also began to appear.

At this time also, the Indian state separated from Africa and moved towards Asia.

Characteristics of the Mesozoic Age

1. There are many giant animals called dinosaurs.
2. Earth's climate is more stable than in previous times.
3. The Mesozoic era is the basis of modern life.
4. Held about 150-65 million years ago.
5. The existence of tectonic activity, evolution and climate.
6. The continents shifted and merged with each other.
7. The Mesozoic era was the culmination of the development of the dinosaurs.

Extinction

Massive extinction events occurred in the second stage at the end of the Cretaceous period around 65 million years ago which marks the end of the Mesozoic era as well as the beginning of mCenozoic hopes.

In this event, several types of life became extinct, including: Dinosaurs, pterosaurs, ichthyosaurs, plesiosaurs and groups of molluscs (ammonites and belemnits) and most of the brachiopods.

There are many theories that explain the extinction of the Mesozoic, for example is the theory of the fall of a giant meteorite that hit the earth with terrible.

The impact of the meteorite caused intense heat and fire that resulted in thick smoke and clouds.

The thick beginning blocks sunlight from reaching the earth. This results in global cooling and oxygen depletion as most plants and animals die.

Dinosaurs, which we know as giant warm-blooded animals, could not survive in such a climate. So in the end it became extinct.

Relics of the Mesozoic Era

In contrast to other eras where relics are in the form of ancient tools, in this era the remains are found in the form of animal and plant fossils.

Because the period of this era is quite long, yuksinau.id summarizes several relics based on the period or era that occurred in the Mesozoic era.

Come on note the reviews below.

1. Mesozoic EraRelics of the Triassic Period

This period is the period when the early life of reptiles and dinosaurs appeared, so the remains found are very old.

Some of the fossil finds include the following:

• Postosuchus, a reptile that acted as a predator for other, smaller creatures.
• Staurikosaurus, a small or miniature carnivore.
• Proterosuchus, a type of reptile similar to crocodiles and lived in the early Triassic period.
• Cynogathus, the first mammal of this period.
• Plateosaurus, a kind of miniature long-necked lizard.
• Coelophysis, the first dinosaur species in this period.

Not only that, in this period also found some relics of the types of plants that we can find until now.

Like coal, coal is believed to have existed in this period. And formed from fossilized plants that have been petrified and have undergone chemical reactions so that they can be used as fuel.

In this period there are also several types of plants such as cypress and ferns that we can find until now.

2. Relics of the Jurassic Period

During this period, many fossils of dinosaurs and similar reptiles were found. Because in this period they ruled the earth.

Well, here are some fossil findings in the Jurassic period.

• Diplodocus, is a giant dinosaur with a long neck and up to 30 meters high.
• Allosaurus, was the largest predator that lived in the Jurassic period.
• Stegosaurus, a type of land dinosaur with four legs with spines similar to spines and lived predominately in the Jurassic period.
• Arcaheopteryx, (a primitive bird) a type of dinosaur that could fly.
• Plesiosaurs, dinosaurs that lived in the sea.
• Ichthyosaurus, a marine dinosaur that looked like a dolphin.

The remains of this period are in the form of plants and we can still find them. Among them are cypress trees, mosses, and ferns.

While the fossils of plants that have become extinct are: ginko tree, cheirolepidiaceae, and others.

3. Cretaceous Period Relics

There are many fossil finds in the form of animals and plants that were buried because of the mass extinction that occurred in this period.

Including the following:

• Tyranosaurus rex, the largest and most famous predatory dinosaur of this period. And became one of the most important findings for the Mesozoic era.
• Velociraptor, a predatory dinosaur measuring two meters long.
• Triceratops, a giant herbivorous dinosaur,
• Pterosaurs, a kind of large flying dinosaur.
• Dichocapites, a type of clam that lives in rivers.
• Tylosaurus, a type of aquatic dinosaur.

4. Relics after mass extinction

As yuksinau.id explained, mass extinctions occur due to falling meteors. This causes life on earth to perish over time.

However, there are several types of species that indicate this as the cause. Among others, several types of shells, rocks, and soil due to evolution by extreme natural changes.

That's a review about the Mesozoic Era, hopefully it can help your learning activities. Thank you for visiting. :))