The Lower Cretaceous is a geological period that lasted from about 145 to 100 million years ago. It is the first part of the Cretaceous period, which is known for the diversification of dinosaurs and the appearance of flowering plants. This era saw significant geological changes, including the breakup of the supercontinent Pangaea and the rise of shallow seas. During the Lower Cretaceous, many marine and terrestrial fossils were formed, providing valuable insights into ancient ecosystems. Notable formations from this time include the Albian and Aptian stages, which are characterized by distinct fossil records, including ammonites and early angiosperms.