The geological era that preceded the Cenozoic era is the Mesozoic era. This era, also known as the "Age of Reptiles," lasted from approximately 252 million years ago to 66 million years ago. The Mesozoic era is divided into three periods: the Triassic, Jurassic, and Cretaceous periods. During the Mesozoic era, the Earth experienced significant geological and biological changes. One of the most notable events of this era was the breakup of the supercontinent Pangaea, which led to the formation of the continents as we know them today. This fragmentation of Pangaea also resulted in the creation of new ocean basins and mountain ranges. The Mesozoic era was a time of incredible diversity in terms of plant and animal life. Dinosaurs roamed the Earth during this era, dominating the terrestrial ecosystems. These magnificent creatures came in all shapes and sizes, from the massive sauropods like Brachiosaurus to the fierce predators like Tyrannosaurus rex. In addition to dinosaurs, the Mesozoic era saw the rise of other iconic prehistoric creatures such as pterosaurs and marine reptiles like ichthyosaurs and mosasaurs. The first mammals also appeared during this era, although they were small and relatively insignificant compared to the dominant reptiles. The end of the Mesozoic era was marked by a catastrophic event known as the Cretaceous-Paleogene (K-Pg) extinction event, which wiped out the dinosaurs and many other species. This mass extinction event paved the way for the rise of mammals and other modern-day animals during the Cenozoic era. Overall, the Mesozoic era was a pivotal time in Earth's history, shaping the planet's geology and biology in profound ways. By understanding the events and creatures that existed during this era, we can gain valuable insights into the evolution of life on Earth. In conclusion, the Mesozoic era preceded the Cenozoic era and was a time of great geological and biological change. From the breakup of Pangaea to the dominance of dinosaurs, this era laid the foundation for the world we live in today.

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