Remains of ancient reptile found in Italian alps are mostly fake, scientists say
by Nilima Marshall
Feb 16, 2024
2 minutes
A 280-million-year-old reptile fossil that has puzzled researchers for decades is mostly fake, scientists have concluded.
An analysis of the remnants of the creature, dubbed Tridentinosaurus antiquus, has revealed the material that was thought to be well-preserved, ancient soft tissue is, in fact, just black paint.
The lizard-like animal, about 20cm (8in) long, was discovered alps in 1931 and was believed to be an important finding that could help shed light on how reptiles evolved.
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