Early Cretaceous

The Early Cretaceous

The Early Cretaceous is a part of a very old time in Earth's history. It lasted from about 143 million years ago to 100 million years ago. Back then, the world looked very different from today. The continents were moving and had not yet formed the shapes we see now.

Many new kinds of plants and animals appeared during this time. Some of the first flowering plants grew, and many types of dinosaurs lived on Earth. Scientists love studying this time because it helps us learn how life on Earth has changed over millions of years.

The Early Cretaceous is also when the first modern birds evolved. Mammals began to diversify too. One early mammal, named Sinodelphys, lived in what is now China. It could climb trees very well! Another early mammal, Steropodon, lived in what is now Australia. It was special because it was one of the first mammals that laid eggs.

During this time, huge areas of volcanic rock formed in many places, changing the shape of the Earth’s surface. Scientists study these rocks to learn more about our planet’s past.