The Triassic period, which lasted from about 252 to 201 million years ago, marked the beginning of the Mesozoic Era, following the mass extinction event at the end of the Permian. This was a time of recovery and gradual evolution, setting the stage for the dominance of dinosaurs in later periods. The Triassic is divided into three parts: Early, Middle, and Late Triassic, each marked by distinct shifts in climate and life forms.

Climate

The Earth's climate during the Triassic was generally hot and dry, with widespread deserts and fluctuating temperature extremes. Pangaea, the supercontinent, was still largely intact, and its vast landmass caused a limited exchange of air and moisture, leading to arid conditions in many regions. However, the climate began to become more humid toward the end of the period, signaling the onset of a more diverse range of environments.

Early Life

Life in the Triassic was characterized by a gradual recovery from the mass extinction event that occurred at the end of the Permian, which wiped out over 90% of life on Earth. Early in the Triassic, life was sparse and slow to recover. However, by the Middle and Late Triassic, new forms of life began to flourish. The oceans saw the return of marine life, including the first rays and sharks, while the first true marine reptiles like ichthyosaurs and plesiosaurs appeared, occupying the role of apex predators in the seas.

Start of Life on land

On land, early dinosaurs began to emerge during the Late Triassic. These were smaller, agile animals compared to the massive giants of later periods, but they still represented a significant evolutionary leap. The first large plant-eating dinosaurs, like plateosaurids, coexisted with carnivorous dinosaurs such as the early theropods. Alongside dinosaurs, early crocodilians, and the first mammals began to appear, albeit in small, primitive forms. These animals would gradually evolve into the dominant groups in the Jurassic and beyond.

Plant

The plant life of the Triassic period consisted largely of conifers, cycads, ferns, and other primitive plants. The vegetation was sparse in the early Triassic but became more varied toward the end of the period. In particular, the first trees, which formed the basis for much of the terrestrial ecosystem, began to appear in the Middle and Late Triassic.

Extinction

By the end of the Triassic, however, another mass extinction event occurred, paving the way for the explosion of dinosaur diversity that would characterize the Jurassic period. The causes of this extinction are still debated but likely include volcanic activity, climate change, and shifting sea levels, all of which may have altered ecosystems and disrupted life on Earth.

In summary, the Triassic period was a time of recovery and transformation, setting the foundation for the rise of dinosaurs and other important evolutionary developments. While the early stages of the period were marked by a slow return of life, the Triassic ended with the first true dinosaurs taking center stage, ready to dominate the Earth in the subsequent Jurassic period.