Final answer:
The first paper was produced in ancient China using the mulberry tree. This invention improved portability and information sharing compared to former materials like bamboo, and it played a crucial role in spreading knowledge once it reached Europe.
Step-by-step explanation:
The “First Paper” or writing object was produced by the Chinese using a plant called the mulberry tree. Papermaking techniques were developed in ancient China during the second century CE when craftspeople processed the bark from the mulberry tree into pulp, creating sheets to dry as paper.
This paper could be strengthened by adding materials such as hemp rags or fishing nets, resulting in a version that was sometimes referred to as parchment. This invention was significant because it allowed for easier transportation compared to the bulky bamboo strips used previously. The knowledge of papermaking later spread along the Silk Road to other parts of the world, contributing to broader information distribution thanks to its lower production costs and compatibility with the printing press.