The Middle Triassic is a geological period that lasted from about 247 to 237 million years ago. It is part of the larger Triassic period, which follows the Permian and precedes the Jurassic. During this time, the Earth was recovering from the mass extinction event at the end of the Permian, leading to the diversification of life, particularly in marine environments. In the Middle Triassic, the first true dinosaurs began to appear, alongside other reptiles and early mammals. The climate was generally warm and dry, with vast deserts and shallow seas. This period also saw the development of important ecosystems that would shape the evolution of life in the following eras.