Final answer:
A fat that is solid at room temperature and found in animal products is called saturated fat. Saturated fats have no double bonds in their structure, which makes them solid at typical room temperatures and composed primarily of animal fats and certain plant oils.
Step-by-step explanation:
The type of fat that is solid at room temperature and commonly found in animal fats, lards, and dairy products is known as saturated fat. Saturated fats have molecules packed tightly together, which is why they are solid at room temperature. Unlike unsaturated fats, which typically have at least one double bond in their fatty acid chains, saturated fats have no double bonds, meaning they are saturated with hydrogen atoms. This structural difference is what makes saturated fats solid at room temperature.
Common sources of saturated fatty acids include meat products, dairy products like cheese and butter, as well as certain plant-based oils such as coconut oil and palm oil. The consumption of high amounts of saturated fats is linked to an increase in LDL cholesterol, which is often referred to as 'bad' cholesterol, and can lead to health problems like heart disease.
It's important to note that while some saturated fats are necessary for bodily functions, they should be consumed in moderation to maintain a healthy diet.