Final answer:
The Mesozoic era, also known as the Age of Dinosaurs, is divided into three periods: Triassic, Jurassic, and Cretaceous, in chronological order from earliest to latest.
Step-by-step explanation:
The three periods of the Mesozoic era, in sequence from most ancient to most recent, are the Triassic, Jurassic, and Cretaceous periods. The Triassic period is known as the beginning of the Mesozoic era, following the end of the Permian period. Then came the Jurassic period, during which many well-known dinosaurs roamed the earth. The Cretaceous period marks the last era of the Mesozoic, ending with a mass extinction that wiped out the dinosaurs.
The Mesozoic era is also known as the Age of Dinosaurs or the Age of Reptiles, spanning approximately 186 million years from around 252 to 66 million years ago. This era witnessed the dominance of dinosaurs and the drift of continents. The significant continental movements during the Mesozoic era changed climates and caused volcanic activity.