Paper is considered abiotic because it is no longer part of a living organism.
While paper is made from trees, which are biotic (living) components, the manufacturing process transforms the organic material into an inanimate object. This makes paper part of the abiotic (non-living) category in ecological and scientific contexts.
In summary:
- Biotic: Living or once-living organisms (e.g., trees).
- Abiotic: Non-living elements (e.g., processed paper).
Understanding this distinction helps clarify the role of materials in ecological systems.