Relating to the second period of the Mesozoic era, approximately 201 to 145 million years ago, characterized by the dominance of dinosaurs. Also refers to the geological formations from this period.
Named after the Jura Mountains on the border of France and Switzerland, where rocks from this period were first studied. Coined by German geologist Leopold von Buch in the 1830s as geological time periods were being systematically classified.
The Jurassic period wasn't just about massive dinosaurs—it was when the supercontinent Pangaea began breaking apart, creating the Atlantic Ocean! The lush, warm climate supported the evolution of the first birds and flowering plants, making it a pivotal chapter in Earth's biological story.
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