Which of the following describes the tendency of lumber to shrink when it dries?

The correct answer identifies that lumber tends to shrink more in width than in length when it dries. This behavior is primarily due to the natural composition of wood and how it is structured.

Wood fibers are oriented in a way that allows for greater expansion and contraction across the grain (the width) than along the length of the grain. When lumber dries, the moisture content decreases, leading to dimensional changes in the wood. As the moisture is lost, the cellular structure, which has more flexibility in width, collapses slightly more than it does along the length. This results in more visible shrinkage across the width as opposed to the length.

Understanding this tendency can be crucial for contractors when selecting materials and planning construction, as it impacts how joints, fittings, and overall structural integrity are managed over time.