The Middle Triassic spans from 247 million to 237 million years ago. The Middle Triassic featured the beginnings of the breakup of Pangaea, and the beginning of the Tethys Sea. The ecosystem had recovered from the devastation that was the Great Dying. Phytoplankton, coral, and crustaceans all had recovered, and the reptiles began to get bigger and bigger. New aquatic reptiles evolved such as Ichthyosaurs and Nothosaurs. Meanwhile, on land, Pine forests flourished, bringing along mosquitoes and fruit flies. The first ancient crocodilians evolved, which sparked competition with the large amphibians that had since ruled the freshwater world. COUNT 5
QSN1 What is the span of years of the Middle Triassic? ANS1 247 million to 237 million QSN2 What continuing event began in the Middle Triassic? ANS2 breakup of Pangaea QSN3 From what had the ecosystem had to recover? ANS3 the Great Dying QSN4 During the breakup of Pangaea, what sea was created? ANS4 Tethys Sea QSN5 What type of animal began to flourish and become increasingly large? ANS5 reptiles