Natural fibers or natural fibres (see spelling differences) are fibers
that are produced by geological processes, or from the bodies of plants or
animals. They can be used as a component of composite materials, where the
orientation of fibers impacts the properties. Natural fibers can also be
matted into sheets to make paper or felt.
The earliest evidence of humans using fibers is the discovery of wool and dyed
flax fibers found in a prehistoric cave in the Republic of Georgia that date
back to 36,000 BP. Natural fibers can be used for high-tech applications, such
as composite parts for automobiles and medical supplies.