A remarkable discovery has emerged from the Cederberg Mountains of South Africa, where researchers have unveiled a new species of marine arthropod identified from a fossil excavated 25 years ago. This astonishing find, now dubbed "Keurbos susanae," after the mother of its discoverer, Professor Sarah Gabbott from the University of Leicester, represents an extraordinary window into Earth’s ancient history.

What sets this fossil apart is its exceptional internal preservation. Unlike most fossils that predominantly showcase the robust outer shells of prehistoric creatures, "Sue," as she's affectionately called, reveals a fascinating inside-out perspective. Professor Gabbott describes her as an "inside-out, legless, headless wonder." The fossil has retained not only hard features but also delicate soft tissues, including muscles, sinews, tendons, and even guts, preserved in what seems like an unimaginable level of detail.

Dating back 444 million years, during a period when over 85% of the planet's species were eradicated by a significant glaciation event, Sue's existence hints at the extreme conditions of her oceanic habitat. Professor Gabbott suggests the presence of toxic hydrogen sulphide in the water helped contribute to this remarkable level of soft tissue preservation.

Researchers dedicated an astonishing 25 years to studying Sue before the species was officially named in a recent publication in the journal Wiley. This prolonged investigation was fueled by the complexity and rich anatomical details present within the fossil. However, the quest for additional specimens from the same locality has been fruitless, raising questions about how this species fits into the evolutionary landscape of ancient arthropods, which are distant relatives of modern shrimps, lobsters, and spiders.

Due to the singularity of this find, comparing Sue to similar fossils from her era proves challenging, leaving many aspects of her life and lineage a mystery. The original quarry where she was discovered has diminished significantly, and the haunting reality is that Sue may be one of the last of her kind to be unearthed.

Reflecting on the monumental task of analyzing such an intricately preserved specimen, Professor Gabbott stated, “This has been an ultramarathon of a research effort.” The fossil's intricate anatomy provided a wealth of knowledge that will contribute to our understanding of prehistoric life and evolution.

Furthermore, in a heartfelt touch, Professor Gabbott explains the origins of Sue's name: “My mum always encouraged me to pursue a career that brings me joy, and for me, that career is digging for fossils and piecing together the story of ancient life on Earth.” In a playful manner, she mentioned how her mother humorously remarked that if Sue was to be named after her, it ought to be done while she is still around.

**Don’t miss out on further discoveries: explore how scientists are unearthing the secrets of our planet's prehistoric past!**