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Archaeologists have stated that a reptile fossil, which has been a source of confusion for scientists for many years, is actually a forgery and not 280 million years old.
The study of the animal, named Tridentinosaurus antiquus, has uncovered that the substance believed to be well-conserved, old soft tissue is actually only black paint.
In 1931, a reptile resembling a lizard was found in the Italian Alps. This discovery was considered significant as it could potentially provide insights into the evolution of reptiles. It measured approximately 20cm (8in) in length.
The reptile’s well-preserved body, which stands out against the dark rock, was thought to be the result of carbonisation, a common method of fossilization for plants but uncommon for animals.
The Tridentinosaurus was categorized as a part of the reptile group called Protorosauria due to this discovery. Despite not being thoroughly examined, the fossilized skin received attention in various news pieces and literature.
The unusual characteristics of the fossil perplexed many paleontologists, leaving them questioning its classification and the reason for its remarkable preservation.
A group of scientists from Ireland and Italy examined the fossil using UV photography, which uncovered a layer of material on the sample.
In the past, it was often customary for researchers to preserve fossils by applying varnishes or lacquers to them.
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Dr. Valentina Rossi holding a picture of the 280-million-year-old reptile fossil, Tridentinosaurus antiquus.
The team was optimistic that the underlying layer would still contain well-preserved soft tissues.
Upon closer examination, it was discovered that the structure and makeup of the substance did not align with that of authentic soft tissue fossils.
The scientists stated that they discovered that the shape of the Tridentinosaurus was man-made, as it was created using black paint applied to the surface of a carved rock in the form of a lizard.
According to the study published in the journal Palaeontology, the scientists are advising careful consideration of the fossil and its application in future studies.
“The unusual fossilization of Tridentinosaurus has been a mystery for scientists for many years,” stated Professor Evelyn Kustatscher, a paleobotanist from the Natural Science Museum of South Tyrol in Italy.
I finally understand the context.
The substance that was identified as charred skin is actually only a coating of paint.
Dr. Valentina Rossi from the School of Biological, Earth, and Environmental Sciences at University College Cork in Ireland explains that while it is uncommon to find soft tissues in fossils, they can provide valuable insights into biological characteristics such as external coloration, internal anatomy, and physiology.
We had to thoroughly examine this fossil specimen to uncover all of its secrets, including ones we may have been hesitant to discover. The solution to our inquiries was right in front of us.
Nevertheless, the scientists stated that even though there was a setback, the fossil is not entirely a forgery.
According to their assessment, the hindlimb bones and femurs seem to be authentic, but in a state of poor preservation.
Source: independent.co.uk
