Mesozoic Era
Triassic Period
252–201 Million Years Ago
The Triassic Period opened in the aftermath of the Permian extinction, with a devastated biosphere slowly recovering. Early dinosaurs appeared alongside other archosaurs, the first pterosaurs took flight, and the first true mammals evolved. Pangaea began to fracture, and the period ended with another mass extinction that cleared the way for dinosaur dominance.
Environment
Climate & Environment
Hot and generally dry, especially in Pangaea's interior. No polar ice caps existed. Monsoonal rainfall patterns dominated coastal regions.
Fauna & Flora
Signature Life Forms
First dinosaurs (Eoraptor, Herrerasaurus)
First pterosaurs
First true mammals
Marine reptiles (ichthyosaurs, nothosaurs)
