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Mesozoic

Mesozoic

9.9
A period about 230 to 63 million years ago when dinosaurs were the main animals
  • noun
  • /ˌmɛzoʊˈzoʊɪk/
  • Specialized
translation icon : mesozoico
  • Many of the world's major landmasses began breaking apart during the Mesozoic.

Examples

  • The Mesozoic era is often called the Age of Reptiles due to the dominance of dinosaurs.

  • The Mesozoic era is known for the rise of dinosaurs.

  • Important plant and animal evolution occurred throughout the Mesozoic period.

  • During the Mesozoic, many species evolved rapidly.

  • The fossils found in that rock layer date back to the Mesozoic era, when dinosaurs roamed the Earth.

  • Scientists study the Mesozoic period to understand the evolution of dinosaurs and ancient plants.

  • During the Mesozoic, diverse species of dinosaurs evolved and thrived in various ecosystems.

Synonyms

Mesozoic era
vsMesozoic
  • Specialized
1 7.2

A time about 230 to 63 million years ago when dinosaurs lived and early mammals and birds appeared

is the same concept presented as the single proper era name
Age of Reptiles
vsMesozoic
  • Specialized
1 8.0

A long time 230 to 63 million years ago when reptiles like dinosaurs lived on Earth

is the official era name rather than a descriptive label

Compounds

Mesozoic era
  • Specialized
1 7.2

A time about 230 to 63 million years ago when dinosaurs lived and early mammals and birds appeared

Surface Forms

Mesozoic singular
Mesozoics plural

Etymology

Mesozoic comes from Greek parts meso- meaning 'middle' and -zoic from zoe meaning 'life' or 'animals', the same root as zoo. So Mesozoic literally means 'middle life' and names the era in Earth's history in the middle between earlier and later eras when dinosaurs and large reptiles were common.