The flowering plants originated in which of the following periods ?

Options

A. Cretaceous
B. Tertiary
C. Triassic
D. Carboniferous

Answer

**Step-by-Step Solution:**

1. **Identify the Era**: The question asks about the origin of flowering plants, which is known to have occurred during the Mesozoic Era.

2. **Break Down the Mesozoic Era**: The Mesozoic Era consists of three periods: Triassic, Jurassic, and Cretaceous.

3. **Examine Each Period**:
- **Triassic Period**: This period is characterized by the emergence of mammal-like reptiles, but not flowering plants.
- **Jurassic Period**: While significant for the evolution of dinosaurs and other reptiles, it is not known for the origin of flowering plants.
- **Cretaceous Period**: This is the period where the first flowering plants (angiosperms) are believed to have originated.

4. **Eliminate Incorrect Options**:
- The Tertiary period is marked by the expansion of flowering plants but does not represent their origin.
- The Carboniferous period is known for ferns and synapsids, not flowering plants.

5. **Conclude the Answer**: Based on the information, the correct answer to the question is the **Cretaceous Period**.

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