Concept in Definition ABC

The concept of time can be understood from a perspective human, but also as an element that intervenes in biological processes. Likewise, the idea of ​​time acquires a dimension different if we apply it to the universe or to the Earth itself. The planet we inhabit is about 4.5 billion years old, an amount that we must understand in the coordinates of geological time. The geological changes that have taken place have not only affected the relief but have also altered the weather and the conditions of life in general.

To understand the geological and biological transformation process of the planet, those who study these changes they analyze rocks and fossils and, based on the information they obtain, develop a known temporal division like the you were geological.

What happened in the cretaceous

Geological time is divided into eras which, in turn, are subdivided into periods. In this way, the Cretaceous is the period before the Jurassic and is part of the Mesozoic era. Specifically, the Cretaceous period must be placed 200 million years ago

In the deposits of different enclaves of the planet we find information about what happened in the Cretaceous period. Paleontologists agree on a number of features typical of this stage of prehistory

- On the bed of the sea layers of chalk accumulated, from where the word cretaceous comes (chalk in Latin means chalk).

- Geologically the planet was divided into two large continental blocks separated by the ocean Atlantic.

- The tectonic plates developed a period of instability that led to the training of cliffs and large mountain ranges.

- The waters presented a temperature high and in general there was a rise in sea level, which caused the flooding of a significant part of the Earth crust.

- Geological changes had consequences for living beings, especially in the environment aquatic, since different forms of plankton were developed that led to the appearance of the mollusks.

- Dinosaurs were the "great protagonists" of the Cretaceous period, as they could evolve due to the great continental extension and the diversity of plant species. In relation to animal life, the first birds appeared in the final phase of the Cretaceous period. Finally, it should be noted that there was also the extinction of some large marine species and reptiles that did not adapt to climate change.

Photos: iStock - Elenarts / CoreyFord