The Mesozoic era, which lasted from about 252 million to 66 million years ago, was a time of great change. This period saw the emergence of dinosaurs, as well as the rise of the first mammals, birds, and flowering plants. The Mesozoic also witnessed a number of major geological events, including the breakup of the supercontinent Pangaea and the gradual formation of the modern continents. Although the era ended with a mass extinction event that wiped out most of the dinosaurs, the legacy of the Mesozoic can still be seen in the diverse array of species that inhabit our planet today.