The word “Cretaceous” refers to a period in the geological time scale that lasted from about 145 to 66 million years ago. It is the last period of the Mesozoic Era, following the Jurassic period and preceding the Paleogene period. The Cretaceous is characterized by the widespread development of flowering plants, the dominance of dinosaurs, and significant geological changes, including the formation of many of today’s continents. The period ended with a mass extinction event, likely caused by a combination of volcanic activity and an asteroid impact, which led to the extinction of the dinosaurs and many other species. The term can also refer to rocks and sediments that were formed during this time.
