Chapter 29, Problem 11TE

To determine

The informal name of the Mesozoic era.

Answer to Problem 11TE

The informal name of the Mesozoic era is the age of reptiles.

Explanation of Solution

The Mesozoic era began about a million years ago. This era marked the end of the Permian period. It is classified into three periods, the Triassic, Jurassic, and Cretaceous.

The reptiles that survived the extinction of the Permian period dominated the Mesozoic era. Dinosaurs ruled the Earth during this period. Marine reptiles were the dominant ones in the oceans. Pterosaurs, which were winged vertebrates, also ruled the sky. Since every habitat on earth had reptiles as the dominant species, the Mesozoic era is also called the age of reptiles.

Conclusion:

Therefore, the informal name of the Mesozoic era is the age of reptiles.