The Bhimbetka “Dickinsonia” — reassessed

A 2021 report of an Ediacaran fossil on a rock-shelter ceiling was later shown to be the impression of a decayed beehive.

Bhimbetka, Madhya Pradesh, India · Claimed Ediacaran; reassessed as modern

In 2021 researchers reported impressions resembling the Ediacaran organism Dickinsonia on the roof of a Bhimbetka rock shelter. Re-examination published in 2023 concluded that the features were the remains of a fallen beehive, not a fossil.

We feature this as an investigation because it shows science working as intended: a claim was published, tested by others, and corrected.