Horizon Season 2002 Episode 7 The Dinosaur that Fooled the World

The episode "The Dinosaur that Fooled the World" from the season 2002 of the television show Horizon, explores the controversy surrounding the discovery and authenticity of a new dinosaur species called Archaeoraptor. The episode takes viewers on an investigative journey as scientists piece together the story of the fossil's origins and how it was presented to the world as a revolutionary discovery that challenged the current understanding of dinosaur evolution.

The episode begins by introducing viewers to the excitement surrounding the discovery of the Archaeoraptor in China. The fossil was believed to be a rare link between two dinosaur groups, the meat-eating theropods and the bird-like therizinosaurs. This discovery would have been significant, as it suggested that birds might have evolved from dinosaurs.

However, as the episode progresses, scientists began to uncover inconsistencies in the story of how the fossil was found. Questions also arose about the fossil's authenticity as new evidence emerged. Suspicion grew that it was actually a fake, cobbled together from different fossils to create a new, exciting species.

Viewers are taken through the process of how the fake fossil was created, piece by piece, using a combination of contemporary feathers and T. rex bones. Scientists and experts involved in the investigations share their views and explain how they were able to uncover the truth behind the Archaeoraptor's origins.

The episode highlights the pressures and competition in the scientific community, as researchers try to make groundbreaking discoveries and secure research funding. It also highlights the importance of scientific integrity, even in the face of the temptation to create a new, exciting discovery.

As the show's title suggests, the Archaeoraptor was a hoax that fooled the world. It caused an uproar in the paleontological community and raised concerns about the need for stricter regulations on the sale and export of fossils. The episode ends by weighing the impact of the Archaeoraptor hoax and how it has influenced the way fossils are researched, discovered and presented to the public today.

Overall, "The Dinosaur that Fooled the World" sheds light on an exciting and controversial event in the world of paleontology, showcasing the behind-the-scenes investigations and uncovering of the truth behind a fraudulent discovery. It is a fascinating episode for those interested in scientific discoveries, animal evolution and history.