Which one of the following periods is largely associated with extinction of dinosaurs and the increase in flowering plants and reptiles

Options

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

Answer

To answer the question regarding which period is largely associated with the extinction of dinosaurs and the increase in flowering plants and reptiles, we can follow these steps:

### Step 1: Identify the Relevant Geological Periods
We need to analyze the provided options: Cretaceous, Tertiary, Triassic, and Carboniferous periods.

### Step 2: Understand the Mesozoic Era
The Mesozoic Era is known as the "Age of Reptiles" and is divided into three periods: Triassic, Jurassic, and Cretaceous. The Cretaceous period is the last period of the Mesozoic Era.

### Step 3: Examine the Events of the Cretaceous Period
During the Cretaceous period (approximately 146 to 65 million years ago), there was a significant diversification of flowering plants (angiosperms) and reptiles. This period is also marked by the mass extinction event that led to the extinction of the dinosaurs.

### Step 4: Consider the Other Options
- **Tertiary Period**: This follows the Cretaceous and is known for the rise of mammals and birds, but dinosaurs had already become extinct by this time.
- **Triassic Period**: This is earlier in the Mesozoic Era, and dinosaurs were just beginning to emerge.
- **Carboniferous Period**: This is much earlier (approximately 359 to 299 million years ago) and is known for the development of extensive forests and coal deposits, not for dinosaurs or flowering plants.

### Step 5: Conclude the Answer
Based on the analysis, the period that is largely associated with the extinction of dinosaurs and the increase in flowering plants and reptiles is the **Cretaceous period**.

### Final Answer:
**Cretaceous Period**

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