CNN —A 280 million-year-old fossil thought to be a well-preserved specimen of an ancient reptile is largely a forgery, according to new research.
The fossil appeared in book and article citations over the decades, but no one ever studied it in detail.
A new, detailed analysis has revealed that the dark color of the fossil isn’t preserved genetic material — it’s just black paint covering a couple of bones and carved rock.
When the specimen was discovered, researchers thought the fossil might provide a rare glimpse into reptilian evolution.
It’s not the first time a fossil forgery has been uncovered, but Rossi said this particular style of forgery is unusual.
Persons:
antiquus, ”, Valentina Rossi, ” Rossi, Rossi, Mariagabriella Fornasiero, Evelyn Kustatscher, It’s, Fabrizio Nestola, ” Nestola
Organizations:
CNN, University of Padua’s Museum of Nature, University College Cork, Museum of Nature, Tyrol Nature Museum, University Center, Museums, University of Padua
Locations:
Italian, Italy, Ireland, Tyrol, Bolzano