Mésozoïque

The Mesozoic Era, often called the "Age of Reptiles" or the "Age of Dinosaurs," is the second of the three major eras of the Phanerozoic Eon. It spans from approximately 252 million years ago to 66 million years ago. This era is subdivided into three periods: the Triassic, the Jurassic, and the Cretaceous.

The Mesozoic Era began with the end of the Permian-Triassic extinction event, the most severe extinction event in Earth's history. The Triassic Period, the first period of the Mesozoic, saw the diversification of reptiles and the emergence of the first dinosaurs and mammals. Pangea, a supercontinent, still existed during this time.

The Jurassic Period followed, characterized by the breakup of Pangea and the dominance of large sauropod dinosaurs. This period also witnessed the evolution of birds from feathered dinosaurs. The Earth's climate was generally warm and humid.

The Cretaceous Period, the final period of the Mesozoic, saw the continued evolution of dinosaurs, including the iconic Tyrannosaurus rex. Flowering plants (angiosperms) appeared and diversified, significantly altering terrestrial ecosystems. The period ended with the Cretaceous-Paleogene extinction event, which wiped out the non-avian dinosaurs and many other species, paving the way for the rise of mammals. The Mesozoic Era represents a pivotal chapter in Earth's biological and geological history.