Given an object representing a 3D mesh that is made of of faces containing both quads and tris. What would be the best term to use when referring to both the quads and tris together?
The best term to use when referring to both quads and tris together in a 3D mesh would be polygons.
What are some common challenges and solutions when working with complex polygonal meshes in 3D modeling and animation?
Working with complex polygonal meshes in 3D modeling and animation can pose various challenges. Here are some common challenges and solutions to consider:

1. High polygon count: Complex meshes with many polygons can slow down rendering and decrease performance. Solution: Use optimization techniques such as reducing polygon count through retopology or simplification algorithms, and using level-of-detail (LOD) models.
2. Non-manifold geometry: Meshes with holes, overlaps, or self-intersections can cause issues during rendering and animation. Solution: Ensure that the mesh has clean and consistent topology, fix non-manifold geometry, and use 3D printing software or analysis tools to detect and fix issues.
3. UV mapping and texturing: Mapping textures onto complex meshes with many polygons can be challenging and time-consuming. Solution: Use UV unwrapping tools to create a 2D layout of the mesh for efficient texturing, and use projection painting to apply textures to the mesh.
4. Rigging and animation: Animating complex meshes can require a lot of time and effort, especially if the mesh has many joints or deformations. Solution: Use rigging and skinning tools to create a skeleton and control points for the mesh, and use motion capture or procedural animation techniques to simplify the animation process.
5. File compatibility: Large meshes can be difficult to transfer or import/export between different software or systems. Solution: Use common file formats such as FBX or OBJ, and use compression techniques or cloud-based storage solutions to transfer or store large files.

Overall, working with complex polygonal meshes in 3D modeling and animation requires careful planning, optimization, and attention to detail. By using appropriate tools and techniques, it is possible to overcome these challenges and create high-quality and efficient models and animations.