A team of researchers in China has analyzed a remarkably well-preserved fossil of an *Austronaga minuta*, a reptile dating back to the Early Triassic period. The specimen is significant because it contains the oldest known preserved soft tissues in a reptile, specifically the stomach, liver, and intestines.

Beyond the biological preservation, the fossil’s skeletal structure provides new insights into the evolution of archosaurs—a group that includes dinosaurs, crocodiles, and birds. The specialized features of the skeleton indicate that the creature was fully adapted to life in the water. Scientists note that this discovery challenges existing timelines regarding when these reptiles began colonizing marine environments, suggesting that the transition from land to sea occurred earlier and was more widespread than previous fossil evidence had indicated. The study provides a rare look at the internal anatomy of these ancient creatures, offering researchers a unique opportunity to understand the dietary habits and physiological adaptations of reptiles during the Triassic period.