Paper is considered an organic material because it is derived from living organisms. Here's why:

* Source: Paper is primarily made from cellulose fibers, which are extracted from wood pulp. Wood comes from trees, which are living organisms.

* Carbon-based: Cellulose, like all organic materials, is a complex carbohydrate composed of carbon, hydrogen, and oxygen.

* Degradable: Paper, unlike many synthetic materials, is biodegradable. This means it can be broken down naturally by microorganisms into simpler compounds, returning to the environment.

While paper might seem like a manufactured product, its origins lie in the living world, making it an organic material.