Triassic Period

The Triassic period marked the recovery from the Permian extinction and saw the emergence of the first dinosaurs and mammals.

Life slowly recovered from the Great Dying, with new ecological niches opening up and novel body plans evolving. The period began with synapsids still dominant, but ended with a dramatic shift. Key first appearances included dinosaurs (initially small, bipedal forms), mammals (tiny, nocturnal creatures), and pterosaurs (the first flying vertebrates).

Marine ecosystems also rebuilt, with ichthyosaurs and the first plesiosaurs appearing in the oceans.

The period closed with another major extinction event that eliminated many competing groups, clearing the way for dinosaur dominance in the following Jurassic period.

The Triassic was a time of rebuilding and experimentation, setting the stage for the Age of Dinosaurs.