ASBOG Practice Exam

Which of the following is not a period of the Mesozoic era?

1. Cretaceous

2. Jurassic

3. Permian

4. Triassic

The correct answer is: Permian

The Mesozoic Era is a significant geological time frame that is divided into three distinct periods: the Triassic, Jurassic, and Cretaceous. Each of these periods is characterized by unique geological, climatic, and biological developments, marking the age of dinosaurs and the emergence of mammals and birds. The Permian period, however, belongs to the preceding Paleozoic Era, which predates the Mesozoic. The Permian is noted for the formation of the supercontinent Pangaea and culminated in one of Earth's largest mass extinctions. Since the question specifically asks for a period that is not part of the Mesozoic Era, the identification of the Permian as the correct choice aligns perfectly with the established geological time scale, as it does not belong to the periods recognized under the Mesozoic Era. Understanding the Mesozoic's structure is fundamental for students studying geology or paleontology, as it helps contextualize the evolutionary history of life on Earth.