A fossil discovered in 1931, believed to be a 280-million-year-old reptile, has been found to be partially or possibly entirely fake. The fossil, known as 'Tridentinosaurus Antiquus', appears to have had its 'skin' painted on with black paint, although the extent of the forgery is not entirely clear. Research has revealed the fake nature of the fossil, which had been considered significant for the evolution of early reptiles.