The Jurassic is a period that spanned a whopping 56 million years, beginning 201 million years ago and ending 145 million years ago. It’s called a geological period, which means it’s defined by changes in the Earth’s layers of rock - most notably the break up of the supercontinent, Pangea. It’s also one of the most significant periods in dinosaur history. Here are eight things about the era that you probably didn’t know. 

1. It’s named after the Jura Mountains

The Jurassic Period is named after the Jura Mountains, which stretch along the France-Switzerland border. This mountain range is where a naturalist called Alexander von Humboldt first noticed that Jurassic rocks were different from those of the Triassic Period, which came before.
 

2. It’s when the Atlantic Ocean began to form

Millions of years ago, all the world’s continents were joined together into a massive supercontinent called Pangea. In the Jurassic era, it started splitting into two giant continents called Laurasia and Gondwana, which were separated by the Tethys Ocean. As these giant continents split up further, the Atlantic Ocean started to form.

3. There was no ice at the poles

The planet was much warmer in the Jurassic than it is now - so warm that there were no ice caps covering the North Pole or South Pole. At the start of the Jurassic Period, ocean levels were lower than they are today, but they rose significantly and by the Middle Jurassic, more of the world was underwater than it is now. 

4. It began with a mass extinction event

You may already know that a mass extinction event ended the reign of the dinosaurs about 65 million years ago, but did you know it was one of several across the ages? The Jurassic period began with a mass extinction event, possibly caused by volcanic activity. Around 80% of all species died out - but the dinosaurs survived and subsequently thrived.  
 

5. It’s when dinosaurs became dominant

While dinosaurs were around in the Triassic Period too, it wasn’t until the Jurassic that they truly began to dominate. This is when they went from a humble group of smallish reptiles to a diverse range of creatures, some reaching enormous sizes.  

6. There was no T.rex

Contrary to what movies like Jurassic Park suggest, there was no such thing as a T.rex in the Jurassic era. This fearsome predator didn’t arrive until some 77 million years later - in the Late Cretaceous. The best known Jurassic dinosaurs were Stegosaurus, Diplodocus, Brachiosaurus and Allosaurus. 
 

7. It’s when bird-like dinosaurs evolved

The first bird-like dinosaurs evolved in the Jurassic era, boasting characteristics that we see in modern birds, such as feathers and a wishbone. It’s thought that these early creatures weren’t capable of full flight though - that came later during the Late Cretaceous. 
 

8. You’d recognise some of the animals

Amazingly, you would recognise some of the animals that were around in the Jurassic. Crocodiles, nautilus and horseshoe crabs haven’t changed much in the last 150 million years, and you’d probably recognise pre-historic sharks and rays too. 

Walk with dinosaurs

If you’re keen to explore the dinosaur world, England is hosting a new tour of Dinosaur World Live this summer. This spectacular stage show uses stunning puppetry to introduce you to a host of dinosaurs, with a meet and greet opportunity after the show. You can get your dinosaur tickets for Hertford or London online, with Dinosaur World prices starting from as little as £10. Book today to join this roarsome adventure.