Diverse Dinosaurs: The Late Cretaceous was a time when dinosaurs reached their peak diversity and dominance. Iconic dinosaurs such as Tyrannosaurus rex, Triceratops, Ankylosaurus, Stegosaurus, and Parasaurolophus roamed the land. These dinosaurs exhibited a wide range of sizes, shapes, and ecological adaptations.
Flourishing Marine Life: In addition to terrestrial dinosaurs, the seas were teeming with diverse marine life. Marine reptiles such as mosasaurs, plesiosaurs, and ichthyosaurs were abundant and occupied various ecological niches. Ammonites were also widespread, although they were beginning to decline in diversity towards the end of the Cretaceous.
Rise of Birds: Birds evolved from small theropod dinosaurs during the Late Cretaceous. Some of the earliest known bird species, such as Archaeopteryx, lived during this time. These early birds exhibited a mix of reptilian and avian features and played a significant role in shaping the evolutionary trajectory of birds.
Flowering Plants (Angiosperms): The Late Cretaceous saw the rapid diversification and spread of flowering plants, or angiosperms. These plants revolutionized terrestrial ecosystems, providing new food sources and habitats for various organisms. Angiosperms likely played a role in the diversification of herbivorous dinosaurs and the evolution of pollination strategies.
Continental Drift and Climate: Throughout the Late Cretaceous, the process of continental drift continued, leading to the fragmentation of the supercontinent Pangaea into separate landmasses. This had profound effects on ocean currents, climates, and biogeography. The Late Cretaceous was generally warm, with high global temperatures and relatively high sea levels.
Mass Extinction Event: The Late Cretaceous ended with one of the most significant mass extinction events in Earth’s history, known as the Cretaceous-Paleogene (K-Pg) extinction event. This event, which occurred approximately 66 million years ago, resulted in the extinction of many terrestrial and marine species, including the non-avian dinosaurs. It is widely attributed to a combination of factors, including a large asteroid impact in what is now the Yucatan Peninsula of Mexico and volcanic activity associated with the Deccan Traps in present-day India.
