Final answer:
An increase in the price of plywood raises construction costs, decreasing the supply of houses, which results in a leftward shift of the supply curve.
Step-by-step explanation:
If the price of plywood rises, the direct effect would be on the cost of constructing houses. Since plywood is a material used in house construction, an increase in its price would make construction more expensive. This would lead to a decrease in the supply of houses, as the higher costs would discourage builders from constructing as many houses at previous prices. The correct answer is b) the supply decreases so that the supply curve shifts leftward.