Periods
Explore the three main periods of the Mesozoic Era
The Mesozoic Era
The Mesozoic Era, also known as the "Age of Dinosaurs," lasted from about 252 to 66 million years ago. It is divided into three major periods: Triassic, Jurassic, and Cretaceous.
Triassic
251.9 - 201.3
The first period of the Mesozoic Era, when dinosaurs first appeared.
Generally dry and hot with seasonal monsoons.
Dominance of conifers, cycads, and ferns.
View Triassic DinosaursJurassic
201.3 - 145.0
The middle period when dinosaurs became dominant and grew to enormous sizes.
Warm and humid with high sea levels.
Abundant conifers, ginkgos, and early flowering plants.
View Jurassic DinosaursCretaceous
145.0 - 66.0
The final period of dinosaurs before their extinction.
Warm climate with cooling trend toward the end.
Diverse flowering plants and modern tree families.
View Cretaceous Dinosaurs