Animal fibre is :

Question

Animal fibre is :

Accepted Answer

The correct option is 2:
Wool is unequivocally classified as a natural **animal fibre** because it is derived directly from a living organism—primarily the fibrous outer covering, or fleece, of sheep. Fundamentally, all animal fibres are classified as **protein fibres**, as their main chemical component is the complex protein keratin. This protein structure gives wool its unique and valuable characteristics, such as excellent elasticity, which helps garments resist wrinkling, and superior thermal insulation, making it ideal for cold weather clothing. Furthermore, wool has a complex, scaly surface structure and is highly hygroscopic, meaning it can absorb a large amount of moisture vapor without feeling damp, properties that contribute significantly to wearer comfort and its textile utility.

The incorrect option is 1:
Cotton is a natural fibre, but it is a **plant fibre**, not an animal fibre. It is a cellulose-based fibre, meaning its primary chemical component is a carbohydrate rather than a protein. Cotton fibres are the long, single-celled hairs that grow from the seeds within the boll of the cotton plant, making its origin purely vegetable. These characteristics give cotton properties distinct from wool, such as better breathability and a cooler feel, which is why it is preferred for warm climates. Its plant origin directly excludes it from the category of animal fibres.

The incorrect option is 3:
Asbestos is incorrectly grouped with natural textile fibres because it is neither a plant nor an animal product; it is a **mineral fibre**. Asbestos refers to a group of six naturally occurring silicate minerals that can be separated into thin, durable fibres. Its composition is inorganic (silica and metal oxides) rather than the organic protein (animal) or cellulose (plant) base. Historically, it was used for its remarkable heat and fire resistance, but due to its mineral, rock-like origin, it cannot be classified as an animal fibre.

The incorrect option is 4:
Jute is another example of a natural fibre, but like cotton, it is strictly a **plant fibre**. Specifically, jute is a **bast fibre**, which means it is obtained from the outer bark or skin of the stem of the jute plant. Its primary component is also cellulose, along with lignin, which gives it a characteristically coarser and stronger texture compared to cotton. It is typically used for packaging materials like sackcloth, ropes, and coarser fabrics. Its derivation from the stem of a plant clearly places it in the plant fibre category, making the classification as an animal fibre incorrect.