Chimera (paleontology)

In paleontology, a chimera is a fossil that was reconstructed with elements coming from more than a single species or genus of animal. In other words, they are mistakes or sometimes hoaxes made by paleontologists, putting together parts that do not come from the same organism. A now classic example of chimera is Protoavis.

List of paleontological chimeras

 * Archaeoraptor


 * Avalonianus


 * Bagaraatan


 * Dakotaraptor?


 * Dalianraptor?


 * Kootenichela?


 * Lametasaurus?


 * Ornithopsis hulkei


 * Piltdown Man


 * Polacanthoides?


 * Precursor?


 * Protoavis


 * Teihivenator


 * Ultrasauros