The Detective Work of Palaeontology

Palaeontology often mirrors the thrilling world of detective work. Scientists sift through scant evidence, assembling clues to uncover the mysteries surrounding ancient life. One remarkable case is Sue, a fossil that defies conventional understanding.

Meet Sue: The Inside-Out Wonder

Professor Sarah Gabbott made an astonishing discovery while excavating rock layers in South Africa. "I knew instantly that Sue was special and truly unusual," she revealed. After a painstaking three-day extraction, Sue was carefully wrapped in plaster, ready for her journey back to England—thanks to British Airways gifting her a luxurious first-class seat! At 70 kilograms (about 11 stone), Sue certainly made an impression.

A Mystery Unfolds

Gabbott faced an intriguing puzzle when she examined Sue. Unlike any fossil known to science, the preserved anatomy was baffling. "None of her preserved parts looked familiar. It wasn’t until I noticed the preserved muscles that the realization hit me: she was an inside-out fossil! The robust carapace was nearly absent, but her insides were fantastically preserved."

A Climate Catastrophe and a Fossil's Survival

Around 440 million years ago, Earth was plunging into a catastrophic glaciation event that would lead to the extinction of 85% of species—one of the Big Five mass extinctions. However, the unique marine basin where Sue was preserved acted as a sanctuary from the freezing apocalypse.

"The harsh conditions gave us a rare insight into her unique preservation," Gabbott noted, explaining that the depths of the ocean had nearly no oxygen, coupled with hazardous hydrogen sulfide, the notorious culprit behind that 'bad eggs' smell.

Deciphering the Inside-Out Fossil

Though meticulously preserved, Sue's intricate details complicated her classification on the life tree. After an exhaustive 25-year research journey, the fossil was officially recognized and named Keurbos susanae, a heartfelt tribute to Gabbott's mother. "She playfully warned me to name the fossil after her before she turned to stone herself!"

A Tribute to Passion and Family

“I jokingly tell my mother I named the fossil Sue because she’s so well-preserved,” Gabbott said. “But really, it symbolizes my journey in palaeontology, exploring ancient life and evolution, all rooted in my mother’s encouragement to follow my passions.”

A Fossil Like No Other!

Sue's discovery is not only a significant scientific achievement but also a testament to the bond between a mother and daughter, layered with a story that transcends time. This legless, headless wonder is a beacon of ancient life, waiting to share its secrets!