What is the most abundant acid found in fats and oils from plants and animals?

The most abundant acid found in fats and oils from plants and animals is oleic acid. Oleic acid is a monounsaturated fatty acid that is commonly found in various dietary fats and oils, such as olive oil and some animal fats. It is known for its health benefits, including potentially improving heart health and cholesterol levels.

In the context of the options provided, while stearic acid, palmitic acid, and linoleic acid are also significant fatty acids, they do not have the same prevalence in dietary fats and oils as oleic acid. Stearic acid and palmitic acid are saturated fatty acids found in animal fats and some plant oils, while linoleic acid is a polyunsaturated fatty acid that is essential in our diets but not as abundant as oleic acid. Thus, oleic acid stands out as the most prevalent fatty acid across various sources, making it the correct choice.