Fortelius

Fortelius is a genus of extinct mammals that lived during the Eocene epoch. These small, arboreal animals are primarily known from fossilized remains found in North America and Europe. Their dentition suggests they were omnivores, with a diet likely consisting of fruits, insects, and possibly small vertebrates. Fortelius fossils are often discovered in sedimentary rock formations, indicating they inhabited forested environments.

The taxonomic classification of Fortelius has been a subject of ongoing research. Initially, some specimens were placed within the order Artiodactyla, a group that includes modern even-toed ungulates. However, more recent analyses, particularly those focusing on cranial and dental morphology, have led some paleontologists to consider a placement within the extinct order Condylarthra, or as a basal member of Perissodactyla, the order of odd-toed ungulates. The precise evolutionary relationships of Fortelius are still being elucidated, and further fossil discoveries are crucial for a definitive understanding of its place in mammalian phylogeny. The genus name itself is derived from the Latin word "fortis," meaning strong, and "telum," meaning dart or missile, potentially referencing its agility.