ASBOG Practice Exam

Which era saw the emergence of reptiles?

1. Paleozoic

2. Mesozoic

3. Cenozoic

4. Precambrian

The correct answer is: Mesozoic

The era that saw the emergence of reptiles is the Mesozoic. This period is crucial in the evolutionary history of Earth because it marks the time when reptiles became the dominant terrestrial vertebrates. The Mesozoic is often referred to as the "Age of Reptiles," and it is divided into three periods: Triassic, Jurassic, and Cretaceous. During the Triassic period, early reptiles began to diversify, leading to the development of various groups, including the early ancestors of dinosaurs as well as other reptiles. By the Jurassic period, dinosaurs became the most prominent rulers of the planet, showcasing the success and adaptation of reptiles in different environments. In contrast, the Paleozoic era is primarily known for the development of amphibians and the first reptiles towards its end, but not for the widespread dominance of reptiles. The Cenozoic era follows the Mesozoic and is known for the rise of mammals and birds, while the Precambrian encompasses the earliest forms of life, primarily simple aquatic organisms, without significant developments in reptilian evolution.