How Prehistoric Times Are Categorized
Geological time stretches over millions of years, and is divided into eras based on the types of life forms found as fossils.
The oldest era is the Palaeozoic, which includes fossils of early and primitive life, right up to some of the first animals that ventured onto land. This is when fishes, amphibians, and the earliest reptiles appeared.
Next comes the Mesozoic era—better known as the age of the giant reptiles. This is the time when dinosaurs roamed the Earth.
We’re currently living in the Cenozoic era, often called the age of mammals and birds. All fossils discovered today can be placed somewhere within these eras, which are then broken down into even smaller periods.
Interesting fact:
As scientists learn more about dinosaur behavior, museums can now mount dinosaur skeletons in dynamic, realistic poses that show how these incredible creatures actually lived.
Learning Through Fossils
Almost everything we know about life on Earth before humans came along comes from fossils. These preserved remains of plants and animals have helped scientists identify the kinds of species that once lived—both on land and in water—and even what they likely ate.
Many museums around the world display fossils and other prehistoric evidence, giving us a window into ancient life.
Interesting fact:
The megatooth shark Carcharocles megalodon is the largest shark that ever lived. It swam the oceans about 15 million years ago and was about the size of a metro bus. Scientists have been able to estimate its size thanks to its enormous fossilized teeth.
Geological time stretches over millions of years, and is divided into eras based on the types of life forms found as fossils.
The oldest era is the Palaeozoic, which includes fossils of early and primitive life, right up to some of the first animals that ventured onto land. This is when fishes, amphibians, and the earliest reptiles appeared.
Next comes the Mesozoic era—better known as the age of the giant reptiles. This is the time when dinosaurs roamed the Earth.
We’re currently living in the Cenozoic era, often called the age of mammals and birds. All fossils discovered today can be placed somewhere within these eras, which are then broken down into even smaller periods.
Interesting fact:
As scientists learn more about dinosaur behavior, museums can now mount dinosaur skeletons in dynamic, realistic poses that show how these incredible creatures actually lived.
Learning Through Fossils
Almost everything we know about life on Earth before humans came along comes from fossils. These preserved remains of plants and animals have helped scientists identify the kinds of species that once lived—both on land and in water—and even what they likely ate.
Many museums around the world display fossils and other prehistoric evidence, giving us a window into ancient life.
Interesting fact:
The megatooth shark Carcharocles megalodon is the largest shark that ever lived. It swam the oceans about 15 million years ago and was about the size of a metro bus. Scientists have been able to estimate its size thanks to its enormous fossilized teeth.
How Prehistoric Times Are Categorized
Geological time stretches over millions of years, and is divided into eras based on the types of life forms found as fossils.
The oldest era is the Palaeozoic, which includes fossils of early and primitive life, right up to some of the first animals that ventured onto land. This is when fishes, amphibians, and the earliest reptiles appeared.
Next comes the Mesozoic era—better known as the age of the giant reptiles. This is the time when dinosaurs roamed the Earth.
We’re currently living in the Cenozoic era, often called the age of mammals and birds. All fossils discovered today can be placed somewhere within these eras, which are then broken down into even smaller periods.
Interesting fact:
As scientists learn more about dinosaur behavior, museums can now mount dinosaur skeletons in dynamic, realistic poses that show how these incredible creatures actually lived.
Learning Through Fossils
Almost everything we know about life on Earth before humans came along comes from fossils. These preserved remains of plants and animals have helped scientists identify the kinds of species that once lived—both on land and in water—and even what they likely ate.
Many museums around the world display fossils and other prehistoric evidence, giving us a window into ancient life.
Interesting fact:
The megatooth shark Carcharocles megalodon is the largest shark that ever lived. It swam the oceans about 15 million years ago and was about the size of a metro bus. Scientists have been able to estimate its size thanks to its enormous fossilized teeth.
