For years, scientists puzzled over a 280-million-year-old fossil discovered in the Italian Alps. Initially hailed as a groundbreaking find shedding light on early reptile evolution, the Tridentinosaurus antiquus fossil has now been revealed to be partly a creation.
A team led by Dr. Valentina Rossi from the University College Cork, Ireland (UCC), conducted a thorough examination, exposing the truth behind the enigmatic fossil. Their findings, published in the journal Palaeontology, caution against relying on the specimen for future research.
The fossil, celebrated for its apparent preservation of soft tissues, was believed to belong to the reptile group Protorosauria. However, microscopic analysis unveiled that what appeared to be preserved skin was, in fact, black paint applied to a carved rock surface resembling a lizard.
Dr. Rossi emphasized the importance of scrutinizing the fossil to uncover its secrets, even if they were not what researchers had hoped to find. The revelation challenges previous interpretations and urges researchers to exercise caution when utilizing the specimen in studies.
Further investigation using UV photography revealed that the entire fossil was coated with a material, likely intended to enhance its appearance. While the bones of the hindlimbs were deemed genuine but poorly preserved, the presence of tiny bony scales called osteoderms suggested some authenticity.
Co-author Prof Evelyn Kustatscher highlighted the significance of modern analytical paleontology in unraveling the mystery surrounding the fossil. The study serves as a testament to the power of rigorous scientific methods in resolving long-standing paleontological enigmas.
This discovery underscores the need for meticulous examination and skepticism in scientific research, reminding us that even the most celebrated fossils may hold surprises beneath the surface.
Reference: “Forged soft tissues revealed in the oldest fossil reptile from the early Permian of the Alps” by Valentina Rossi, Massimo Bernardi, Mariagabriella Fornasiero, Fabrizio Nestola, Richard Unitt, Stefano Castelli and Evelyn Kustatscher, 15 February 2024, Palaeontology.
