what are a few comparisons between the Mesozoic and Cenozoic Eras
Here are few comparisons between the Mesozoic and Cenozoic Eras:
1. Time period: The Mesozoic Era lasted from approximately 252 million to 66 million years ago, while the Cenozoic Era started around 66 million years ago and continues to the present day.
2. Extinction events: The Mesozoic Era was marked by two significant extinction events, including the Permian-Triassic extinction (also known as the Great Dying), which wiped out around 96% of marine species. The Cenozoic Era, on the other hand, experienced the famous Cretaceous-Paleogene extinction event, which caused the extinction of the non-avian dinosaurs and paved the way for the dominance of mammals.
3. Continental distributions: During the Mesozoic Era, the supercontinent Pangaea began to break apart, leading to the formation of Laurasia in the north and Gondwana in the south. In the Cenozoic Era, these two landmasses continued to separate, forming the continents we know today.
4. Climate: The Mesozoic Era was generally warmer and more stable in terms of climate compared to the Cenozoic Era. The Cenozoic climate experienced a series of significant fluctuations, including periods of cooling and warming, and saw the formation and melting of ice sheets in the polar regions.
5. Evolution of life: The Mesozoic Era was characterized by the rise and dominance of reptiles, especially dinosaurs, alongside the emergence of the first birds and mammals. The Cenozoic Era witnessed the diversification and proliferation of mammals, leading to the emergence of various mammalian groups, including primates, rodents, and cetaceans, among others.
6. Geological formations: Many iconic geological formations that we see today were formed during the Cenozoic Era. This includes the formation of the Rocky Mountains in North America and the Himalayas in Asia. The Mesozoic Era also witnessed significant geological activity, with the formation of various mountain ranges and the splitting of continents.
7. Cultural significance: The Mesozoic Era is renowned for its impressive and diverse dinosaur fauna, sparking the imagination of humans throughout history and popularized through movies, books, and other media. The Cenozoic Era, being more recent, has a greater number of fossil records and provides a deeper understanding of the evolution and diversity of modern life forms.