For over 90 years, scientists analyzed a peculiar reptilian fossil known as Tridentinosaurus antiquus found in the Italian Alps. Thought to be 280 million years old, the unique dark outline around the skeleton was believed to be preserved soft tissue. However, recent cutting-edge analysis revealed that this dark outline was actually bone-black paint, making the fossil a forgery. This discovery challenges previous assumptions about the fossil’s taxonomy and poses a cautionary tale about the importance of detailed scientific reporting. The study, led by Valentina Rossi, utilized advanced techniques to uncover the truth about this ancient imposter.
https://arstechnica.com/science/2024/02/its-a-fake-mysterious-280-million-year-old-fossil-is-mostly-just-black-paint/