Archaeologists Uncover the Truth Behind the 280-Million-Year-Old Reptile Fossil Mystery: It’s a Fake.
Analysis of the fossil from a reptile species scientifically named Tridentinosaurus antiquus has revealed that what was believed to be well-preserved soft tissue is actually just black paint, according to a report published in the journal Palaeontology.
The fossil of this lizard-like creature, measuring approximately 20 cm in length, was discovered in the Italian Alps in 1931 and has since been regarded as a significant find that could illuminate the evolutionary history of reptiles.
Fossil discovered in 1931. (Photo: PALAEONTOLOGY).
With its black body outline against the surrounding rock, this fossil was long thought to be well-preserved due to a fossilization process known as carbonization. This process typically occurs in plants but is rarely seen in animals.
This led scientists to classify Tridentinosaurus antiquus within the Protorosauria group. The skin, initially believed to be fossilized, garnered significant interest from researchers.
However, many paleontologists could not explain the strange features of the fossil.
Now, a team of researchers from Ireland and Italy has analyzed the fossil using UV imaging techniques, which allowed them to reveal the outer coating material of the specimen.
Microscopic analysis found that the outline surrounding the body of Tridentinosaurus antiquus was created using a type of artificial black paint rather than soft tissue from an animal.
Based on this new report, the research team urges paleontologists to exercise caution when utilizing fossils for future research projects.
