Fats and oils can be obtained from any of the following sources except

Analyze the question: We are asked which source does NOT give fats and oils (the edible or natural kind, i.e., lipids).

Concept: Fats and oils are esters of long-chain fatty acids and glycerol (triglycerides). They are natural lipids obtained from:

• Animals: e.g., butter, lard, fish oil, tallow
• Plants: e.g., groundnut oil, palm oil, palm kernel oil, soya bean oil, coconut oil

Step-by-step check of each option:

• A. Paraffin oil: Paraffin (kerosene) is a petroleum product, a mixture of hydrocarbons (alkanes) obtained from the fractional distillation of crude oil. It is not an ester or a triglyceride, so it is not a true fat or oil in the chemical sense.
• B. Animals: Yes, animal fats such as lard, butter, and cod liver oil.
• C. Groundnuts: Yes, groundnut oil.
• D. Palm kernel: Yes, palm kernel oil.

Answer: Only paraffin oil is not a source of fats and oils (it is a hydrocarbon from petroleum), so the correct option is A.

Tip: Remember the difference: Fats and oils = esters (triglycerides) from living things (plants and animals), while paraffin, kerosene, and petrol = hydrocarbons from crude oil. If you see "oil" from a fossil source, it is not a fat or oil in the biochemical sense.