The Santonian is a stage in the Late Cretaceous period, occurring approximately 86 to 83 million years ago. It is characterized by significant geological and biological changes, including the diversification of marine life and the appearance of various dinosaur species. The Santonian is part of the larger Cretaceous period, which is known for its rich fossil record. During the Santonian, the climate was generally warm, supporting lush vegetation and diverse ecosystems. Notable fossils from this time include those of hadrosaurs and carcharodontosaurids, which provide insights into the evolution of dinosaurs. The Santonian also saw the continued development of angiosperms, or flowering plants.