A remarkable fossilized larva has been discovered, its brain and guts still intact, providing a unique window into the past. The ancient creature is an early ancestor of arthropods, which includes insects, crabs, and lobsters.
Unlike typical dinosaur fossils, this fossil did not consist of bones turned to stone. Instead, it had soft tissues preserved, including a brain, digestive glands, a primitive circulatory system, and even nerve traces supplying the larva’s simple legs and eyes. The level of preservation allowed scientists to draw evolutionary connections between ancient arthropods and those that exist today.
The fossil revealed a region in the brain known as the protocerebrum, which evolved into the “nub” of arthropod heads that has enabled them to thrive in various environments. This discovery highlights the complexity of early arthropods, which was previously underestimated.
The scientists are thrilled with the find, considering it a rare opportunity to gain insights into life as it existed half a billion years ago.
Source: https://www.popularmechanics.com/science/environment/a61793850/scientists-find-fossil-with-brains-and-guts-intact/