"Debunking the Myth: Uncovering the True Nature of a Famous Fossil"

A 280 million-year-old fossil believed to be a well-preserved ancient reptile has been revealed as a forgery, with researchers discovering that the dark outline of the lizardlike body encased in rock is actually black paint covering a couple of bones and carved rock. The fossil, known as Tridentinosaurus antiquus, was initially found in the Italian Alps in 1931 and had raised questions about early reptile evolution. The study's findings, published in the journal Paleontology, highlight the unusual forgery and the challenges it posed for experts in interpreting the fossil's preservation.