Which statement about Natural Fiber Rope's degradation is true?

• A. It never rots
• B. It degrades quickly (mostly due to rotting)
• C. It gains strength with exposure to water
• D. It cannot absorb water

Answer: (B)

Natural fiber rope deteriorates quickly in moist conditions because rot from fungi and bacteria breaks down the fibers. The moisture feeds biological decay, causing the rope to soften, fray, and lose strength as the material decays. That makes rotting the primary way these ropes degrade, so exposure to water doesn’t make them stronger and they do absorb water readily. The other statements aren’t true for natural fiber rope.