Final answer:
A fable is a type of story, usually involving animals, that conveys a moral lesson, fitting the student's description of a folk tale with a moral.
Step-by-step explanation:
A fable is a folk tale or short story, typically with animals as characters, that conveys a moral lesson. This fits the description of the student's question, as fables often feature animal characters which teach moral lessons through their actions and outcomes. Stories such as Aesop's Fables, which date back to around 500 BCE, are classic examples of fables and have been passed down through generations, finding their way into children's storybooks and animated movies. Examples include the story of Chicken Little, where the moral is to have courage and not believe everything you hear illustrating how even the smallest animals serve a mighty purpose.