Select the geological time where some of the major events, like an increase in marine diversity, dominance of gymnosperms, diversification of synapsids (including the emergence of first dinosaurs), and first mammal-like forms, occurred.

Correct option is C

The Triassic period (approximately 252 to 201 million years ago) saw several significant evolutionary and ecological events that match the description in the question:

1. Increase in marine diversity: The Triassic saw a notable diversification of marine life, including the early development of various fish, marine reptiles, and other invertebrates.
2. Dominance of gymnosperms: Gymnosperms (like conifers) were dominant during the Triassic period, continuing from their rise in the late Paleozoic.
3. Diversification of synapsids and emergence of first dinosaurs: The Triassic is marked by the rise of dinosaurs and the diversification of synapsids, including early mammal-like forms.
4. First mammal-like forms: During the late Triassic, synapsids, which are the ancestors of mammals, evolved into the first mammal-like forms.

Information Booster: 

• The Triassic period follows the end-Permian mass extinction, which wiped out many species. This period is marked by the recovery and rapid evolution of life.
• It is also the time when dinosaurs began to emerge and diversify, marking the start of the Mesozoic Era.
• Mammals began evolving in the Triassic from mammal-like reptiles, though true mammals wouldn't appear until the late Triassic or early Jurassic.
• Gymnosperms dominated terrestrial ecosystems, forming extensive forests, especially conifers.

Additional Knowledge:

1. Cretaceous:
   The Cretaceous period (about 145 to 66 million years ago) is known for the peak of dinosaur diversity and the rise of flowering plants (angiosperms). It marks the end of the age of dinosaurs with their extinction at the end of the period.

2. Jurassic:
   The Jurassic period (201 to 145 million years ago) is famous for the dominance of dinosaurs, but it also saw the first appearance of birds. Gymnosperms continued to dominate, but mammals were still small and relatively insignificant.

3. Carboniferous:
   The Carboniferous period (about 359 to 299 million years ago) is known for the extensive forests of ferns and the dominance of early vascular plants. It was also the time of the first amphibians and the appearance of the first reptiles. However, dinosaurs did not appear until the Triassic.