A unique fossil of an ancient arthropod has been found in the Soom Shale, located just north of Cape Town, South Africa. This remarkable creature lived about 444 million years ago. According to Professor Sarah Gabbott from the University of Leicester, the fossil is so unusual that scientists are still trying to figure out its exact place in the evolutionary tree.
The mystery stems from its preservation. Professor Gabbott explains that it was found inside out, a rare occurrence in paleontology. “When I first discovered this fossil, I knew immediately that we had something very special,” she said. It took her three days to carefully excavate the fossil, which weighs around 70 kilograms. She secured it in plaster and transported it back to England on a first-class flight, thanks to British Airways.
The insights gained from this fossil are significant. Professor Gabbott noted that none of the preserved features resembled any known fossils, making it challenging to understand its biology. As she studied the specimen, she realized that it showed detailed muscle structures, but its hard exterior—the carapace—was missing. Instead, its insides were remarkably well-preserved.
Around the time this creature lived, Earth was undergoing a major extinction event, known as one of the Big Five. It’s estimated that 85% of species on the planet perished during this time due to glaciation. Professor Gabbott believes the unique environment where the fossil was found might have helped preserve it. Chemical analyses revealed that the ocean conditions were harsh, with little oxygen and even hydrogen sulfide present, giving off a strong odor similar to rotten eggs.
In total, Gabbott dedicated 25 years to studying this fossil, which she joyfully named Keurbos susanae, in honor of her mother. She humorously mentions that her mother urged her to name the fossil after her before she became fossilized herself. Gabbott’s work not only sheds light on the past but highlights a personal journey of following her passion for paleontology.
This discovery opens doors to better understand ancient life and evolution. Fossils like Keurbos susanae teach us about the complexities of life forms that existed long before humans. These insights are crucial as scientists work to understand how life has evolved on planet Earth.
For further reading about this remarkable find, check out the study published in the journal Palaeontology. You can also learn more about Professor Gabbott’s work at the University of Leicester.
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