Study Questions - The Mesozoic Era
Readings - chapter 3
1) What plants dominated in the Triassic, and why?
2) Which groups of synapsids survived the Permian extinction and dominated early triassic faunas?
3) Describe the phylogenetic relationships among the diapsid groups.
4) What vert groups radiated in marine environments in the Triassic, and why?
5) What is the phylogenetics relationships among the major archosaur groups?
6) What were the major dinosaur herbivores and carnivores of the Triassic, Jurassic, and Cretaceous?
7) How old is Archaeopteryx? What combination of traits place it as a link between reptiles and birds?
8) When did flowering plants evolve? What effect did this have on insect diversity?
9) What was the largest flying creature ever?
10) What is the likely cause of the K-T extinction vent? What is the evidence?