Life Through Time: Life in the Mesozoic Era

The Mesozoic era, known as the age of reptiles, spanned from 251 to 65.5 million years ago. Dinosaurs were the dominant vertebrates, thriving for over 150 million years. Fossil evidence reveals their diversity, including land, sea, and air dwellers. A mass extinction event 65 million years ago led to their demise. During this era, dinosaurs evolved into birds, with early fossils like protoavis and Archaeopteryx. The Mesozoic also saw the rise of flowering plants and small mammals, which became dominant after the dinosaurs' extinction.

What is the significance of the fossil bird Archaeopteryx?

What major development occurred about 100 million years ago in the Mesozoic?