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What was the world like?

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The Cretaceous is a period within the Mesozoic Era. It lasted from approximately 145 to 66 million years ago, making it the longest period in the Mesozoic.

The Cretaceous Period

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THE CRETACEOUS

Geography and Organisms

Geography:Continents were still moving apart after the breakup of Pangaea, creating new oceans like the Atlantic. Organisms: Dinosaurs like the Tyrannosaurus rex, Triceratops, and the giant sauropods dominated. Early birds (e.g., Archaeopteryx) and flowering plants (angiosperms) began to flourish. Marine reptiles, such as Mosasaurus, and early mammals also lived during this time.

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Fun Facts

Flowering plants (angiosperms) first appeared and rapidly diversified during the Cretaceous, changing ecosystems.The Cretaceous seas were home to gigantic marine predators like Mosasaurus and Plesiosaurs. Flying reptiles, known as Pterosaurs, thrived in the skies. The name "Cretaceous" comes from "creta," Latin for chalk, because large chalk deposits formed during this time. Amber, fossilized tree resin, trapped and preserved many ancient organisms, providing a unique glimpse into Cretaceous life. The breakup of Pangaea continued, gradually forming the continents as we know them today.

What Happened?

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This period ended with one of the most significant mass extinction events in Earth's history, where around 75% of Earth's species, including all non-avian dinosaurs, became extinct.

Atmostphere

The atmosphere had higher levels of carbon dioxide, leading to a more humid and tropical environment globally.

The Asteroid

Cause: Likely caused by an asteroid impact in what is now the Yucatán Peninsula, leading to extreme climate changes. Massive volcanic eruptions and shifting climates may have also contributed to the extinction.Effect: This event cleared the way for mammals and birds to dominate Earth in the subsequent Paleogene period.

The climate during the Cretaceous was warm, often described as a "greenhouse climate." There were no polar ice caps, and sea levels were much higher than today, resulting in many shallow seas.

Climate