By: Ethan Tong

A group of scientists found a small worm fossil, which was almost impossible to find because worms are so small. Plus they are also fragile, and it was well preserved. The scientists think that the worm could explain how insects evolved.

The larva has clues that show how the worms that we know today came to have sophisticated arthropod body plans with specialized limbs, eyes, and brains.

Study co-author, Dr. Katherine Dobson of the University of Strathclyde said, “It’s always interesting to see what’s inside a sample using 3D imaging, but in this incredible tiny larva, natural fossilization has achieved almost perfect preservation.”

The worm was found in China, with most of its organs still there. The worm was called Youti yuanshi and was alive 520 million years ago. Dr. Martin Smith, who has published a research paper on the baby worm, described it as “something special,” and said the odds of uncovering fossils like this are “practically zero”.
Dr Smith said, when he was young, he used to daydream that one day that he would find a fossilized worm.

“I already knew that this simple worm-like fossil was something special, but when I saw the amazing structures preserved under its skin, my jaw just dropped – how could these intricate features have avoided decay and still be here to see half a billion years later?” Dr. Smith also added.