Scientists often use terms such as “Mesozoic Era” and “Jurassic Period” when referring to certain times in Earth’s history.
Both the Mesozoic Era and the Jurassic Period are stages in the geologic time scale.
The geologic time scale links particular times in Earth’s history with the layers of rock in the Earth’s crust that were formed during those times.
For example, the Jurassic Period is the name given to the time in which a certain layer of rock in the Jura Mountains of Europe was being formed.
On this page you’ll find a complete explanation of the geologic time scale, including what it is, who uses it, and why it’s important…