What type of animation is created by displaying a sequence of individual frames rapidly?

The type of animation that is created by displaying a sequence of individual frames rapidly is frame-by-frame animation. This technique involves creating a series of individual images, or frames, each slightly different from the last. When these frames are played in quick succession, they create the illusion of movement. This method is fundamental to traditional animation, where artists draw or paint each frame by hand.

Frame-by-frame animation allows for detailed control over the motion and can provide a very organic feel to the movement, as it relies on the careful progression of images to depict actions or transformations. Each frame is essentially a complete picture, which is why this form is often labor-intensive but also highly expressive and creative.

Other types of animation, such as stop motion, utilize a different approach by photographing real-world objects frame by frame to create movement. 3D animation relies on computer-generated imagery and models that are manipulated in a virtual space. Character animation focuses specifically on animating characters, which can be done using various techniques including frame-by-frame animation or rigging in a 3D environment. Therefore, understanding these distinctions highlights why frame-by-frame animation is the correct answer.