Mesozoic Era

Jurassic Period

201–145 Million Years Ago

The Jurassic Period was the golden age of dinosaurs. Sauropods grew to staggering sizes, theropods diversified into efficient predators, and the first birds (Archaeopteryx) evolved from small feathered dinosaurs. Pangaea continued to break apart, opening the Atlantic Ocean. Warm seas supported abundant marine life including ammonites, belemnites, and marine reptiles.

Environment

Climate & Environment

Warm and humid globally. Elevated CO₂ levels created greenhouse conditions with no permanent polar ice. Lush vegetation extended to high latitudes.

Fauna & Flora

Signature Life Forms

Giant sauropods (Brachiosaurus, Diplodocus)

Allosaurus — apex predator

Archaeopteryx — first known bird

Abundant ammonites in the seas

jurassic

mesozoic