What type of tissue stores fat in an animal, which increases as it ages?

Adipose tissue is a specialized connective tissue that primarily functions in the storage of fat. This type of tissue serves several important roles in the body, including energy reserve, insulation to help regulate body temperature, and cushioning to protect organs. As an animal ages, the amount and distribution of adipose tissue can increase due to various factors such as metabolic changes and changes in diet or activity levels.

The presence of adipose tissue is crucial for maintaining energy balance, as it stores energy in the form of triglycerides, which can be mobilized when the body requires additional fuel. Understanding the function of adipose tissue is essential for areas such as nutrition, animal husbandry, and health management in animals.

Bone tissue, while important for structural support, does not have the same function as adipose tissue in terms of fat storage. Skeletal muscle is primarily involved in movement and does not store fat in the same manner. Marbling, which refers to the intramuscular fat in meat, is influenced by the amount of adipose tissue but is not a type of tissue itself. Understanding these distinctions is key for anyone studying cookery and food science, particularly in relation to animal products.