The most efficient pathway for ATP production in animal cells is by glycolysis.

Answer

**Step-by-Step Solution:**

1. **Understanding Glycolysis**: Glycolysis is the metabolic pathway that converts glucose (a 6-carbon compound) into pyruvate (a 3-carbon compound). This process occurs in the cytoplasm of the cell and is anaerobic, meaning it does not require oxygen.

2. **ATP Production in Glycolysis**: During glycolysis, a total of 2 ATP molecules are produced. However, it is important to note that 2 ATP molecules are consumed in the initial steps of glycolysis, resulting in a net gain of 2 ATP.

3. **Products of Glycolysis**: The end products of glycolysis are 2 molecules of pyruvate, 2 molecules of NADH (reduced nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide), and a net gain of 2 ATP.

4. **Role of Mitochondria**: The pyruvate produced in glycolysis is transported into the mitochondria, where it undergoes further processing. This includes the citric acid cycle (Krebs cycle) and the electron transport chain (ETC).

5. **Oxidative Phosphorylation**: The most efficient pathway for ATP production occurs in the mitochondria through oxidative phosphorylation. Here, the NADH and FADH2 (another reducing agent) produced in previous steps donate electrons to the electron transport chain, leading to the production of a significant amount of ATP.

6. **Conclusion**: Therefore, while glycolysis does produce ATP, it is not the most efficient pathway for ATP production in animal cells. The statement in the question is false because the majority of ATP is generated during oxidative phosphorylation in the mitochondria.

**Final Answer**: The statement "The most efficient pathway for ATP production in animal cells is by glycolysis" is false. The most efficient pathway is oxidative phosphorylation in the mitochondria.

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