444-million-year-old fossil preserves muscles but loses head and legs

A marine creature that lived 444 million years ago has become the subject of a remarkable fossil study after scientists discovered that its internal structures survived while much of its outer body disappeared. The fossil, identified as a new species called Keurbos susanae, preserves muscles, tendons, connective structures and digestive remains in exceptional detail, despite lacking its head, legs and most of its hard outer covering.

After 25 years of research, University of Leicester palaeontologist Sarah Gabbott formally named the species after her mother, Sue, recognising the encouragement she received to pursue a career in fossil research.The 444-million-year-old fossil preserved its inside organsAccording to the University of Leicester, the fossil presents an unusual reversal of the way many ancient animals are preserved. Most arthropod fossils show their hard external features, including shells and limbs, because these structures generally survive decay more easily than soft tissues.