The Controversy Surrounding ​the “Oldest” Fossil Reptile‌ Found in the Italian Alps

In ‍1931, a small, ‍lizard-like reptile was discovered in the⁤ Italian⁢ Alps and was ‍named Tridentinosaurus antiquus. This fossil was ⁢initially believed to be a significant piece in the puzzle of early reptile evolution. However, a recent⁣ study published in the journal Palaeontology has deemed‍ it a forgery.

The original description of⁣ T. antiquus in 1959 described it as⁣ an exceptionally preserved ⁣fossil with a dark-colored body outline and an articulated skeleton. The image of the lizard was highly ‌realistic and​ resembled a modern-day lizard. But according to Italian researchers Valentina Rossi, Massimo Bernardi, Mariagabriella Fornasiero, ⁢Fabrizio Nestola, Richard Unitt, Stefano Castelli,⁤ and Evelyn Kustatscher, this⁤ fossil is ⁣a fake.

Tridentinosaurus antiquus. A, {photograph} of the specimen, together with sampling ​areas S0–S12 and SX (matrix). B, ​map of⁤ the ​topography of the⁤ floor of the ⁤specimen, highlighting the​ superficial⁢ topography. C, UV {photograph} displaying that‍ the fluorescence of​ the entire ⁤specimen. D,‍ enlargement of the shoulder⁤ area, outlined on A. E, enlargement of the pelvic​ girdle area, outlined on A. Scale bars signify: 20 mm (A); 5 mm (D); 3 mm (E)

Using ⁣ultraviolet⁤ light,‌ 3D surface modeling, scanning electron microscopy, and other techniques, the‌ Italian researchers⁢ reanalyzed​ T. antiquus and found that it was not what it seemed. The‍ scientists discovered that the⁤ fossil was coated with a ⁣manufactured pigment, making⁢ it a fake.

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The researchers explain that the T.⁤ antiquus specimen does not exhibit the typical characteristics of a fossil with organically‍ preserved soft tissues, such as compression fossils. They also note that natural materials do not usually fluoresce ‍under UV light,​ but the area ⁢where the supposed soft tissues are located does fluoresce, indicating that the material is of artificial⁣ origin, such as a lacquer, varnish, glue, or⁣ synthetic pigments that fluoresce under UV light. The researchers believe ‌that one or more layers of an unknown coating have been applied to the body outline, osteoderms, and bones.

The ‍full paper, “Forged Soft Tissues Revealed in the ⁢Oldest⁢ Fossil Reptile from the Early Permian of ‍the Alps,” can be read‌ on the Palaeontology website.