Period Jurassic Period

Jurassic Period 10

• 201.4 Ma End-Triassic Extinction CAMP volcanism Massive volcanism as Pangaea rifts apart; ~80% of species lost; clears way for dinosaur dominance.
• 193–183 Ma · Early Jurassic Dilophosaurus Double-crested carnivore A large early theropod from North America with two distinctive bony crests on its skull. About 6 metres long, Dilophosaurus was one of the largest predators of the Early Jurassic.
• 166–164 Ma · Middle Jurassic Megalosaurus First dinosaur ever scientifically named Megalosaurus was the first dinosaur to be scientifically described and named (1824). A large bipedal carnivore from England, it gives its name to the Megalosauridae family.
• 155–145 Ma · Late Jurassic Allosaurus Apex predator of the Late Jurassic The dominant large predator of Jurassic North America, Allosaurus reached 12 metres in length. It likely hunted sauropods and stegosaurs, and is one of the best-studied of all theropod dinosaurs.
• 155–150 Ma · Late Jurassic Stegosaurus Plated dinosaur with spiked tail One of the most recognisable dinosaurs, Stegosaurus had large bony plates along its back and four tail spikes for defence. Despite its large body it had a remarkably small brain.
• 154–150 Ma · Late Jurassic Brachiosaurus Giraffe-like giant sauropod One of the largest animals ever to walk the Earth, Brachiosaurus had front legs longer than its hind legs giving it a giraffe-like posture to browse treetops. It could reach 26 metres in length.
• 154–152 Ma · Late Jurassic Diplodocus Long-necked, whip-tailed sauropod One of the longest dinosaurs known, Diplodocus reached up to 27 metres. Its extremely long neck and whip-like tail were its defining features. A gentle giant that fed on low-growing vegetation.
• 152–151 Ma · Late Jurassic Apatosaurus Massive sauropod, formerly Brontosaurus Long confused with Brontosaurus, Apatosaurus was a massive sauropod reaching 22 metres. One of the heaviest dinosaurs, it had a long neck and an extraordinarily powerful tail.
• 150.8 Ma Archaeopteryx First known bird Transitional fossil combining dinosaur and bird features; Jurassic Solnhofen limestone, Germany.
• 150–148 Ma · Late Jurassic Archaeopteryx The first known bird The iconic transitional fossil between dinosaurs and birds. Archaeopteryx had feathers and wings like a bird but teeth, clawed wings and a bony tail like a dinosaur. Found in Solnhofen limestone, Germany.