The Cretaceous period

The Cretaceous period, spanning about 145 to 66 million years ago, is the last era of the dinosaurs before their extinction. It was marked by warm global climates, rising sea levels, and diverse ecosystems. During this time, flowering plants appeared and diversified, while large marine reptiles and various dinosaurs thrived. The period ended with a significant mass extinction, likely caused by a massive asteroid impact, leading to the extinction of the dinosaurs and many other species. The Cretaceous's dynamic environment helped shape the planet's future biological and geological development.