The term ‘Cretaceous’ refers to a geological period that lasted from approximately 145 to 66 million years ago, marking the last period of the Mesozoic Era. It is characterized by the presence of dinosaurs, the development of flowering plants, and significant changes in sea levels and climate. The Cretaceous is divided into two epochs: the Early Cretaceous and the Late Cretaceous. The period ended with a mass extinction event, which is widely believed to have been caused by an asteroid impact, leading to the extinction of many species, including the non-avian dinosaurs. The name ‘Cretaceous’ is derived from the Latin word ‘creta,’ meaning chalk, as this period is known for extensive chalk deposits formed from marine organisms.
