Prehistoric reptiles were a diverse group of animals that lived during the Mesozoic Era, which spanned from about 252 to 66 million years ago. This era is often called the "Age of Reptiles" because it saw the rise of many well-known species, including dinosaurs, pterosaurs, and marine reptiles like ichthyosaurs and plesiosaurs. These reptiles adapted to various environments, from land to sea and air. Many prehistoric reptiles were large and dominated their ecosystems. For example, the Tyrannosaurus rex was a top predator on land, while the Pteranodon soared through the skies. These reptiles played crucial roles in their habitats, influencing the evolution of other species and the overall balance of prehistoric ecosystems.