Final answer:
Option (b), Joe Redington faced various challenges while reintroducing sled-dog racing to Alaska, which included the maintenance costs and effort required for sled dog teams, alongside adapting the sport to modern times while preserving its cultural significance.
Step-by-step explanation:
Your follow-up research question 'What challenges did Joe Redington face while reintroducing sled-dog racing in Alaska?' not only explores an individual's contributions to a cultural event but also delves into the obstacles that had to be overcome. Sled-dog racing, or mushing, has numerous benefits and difficulties associated with it.
For example, sled dogs are able to navigate terrains that snowmobiles cannot, and they do not require fuel, making them vital in areas above the Arctic Circle, such as Greenland, where they are deeply embedded in the Inuit culture. However, maintaining sled dog teams can be both labor-intensive and costly, posing a challenge for reintroducing the sport.
Sled-dog racing was also significant in shaping Alaskan culture and economy. The popularity of events like the Iditarod Sled Dog Race has brought attention and tourism to the state, becoming a hallmark of Alaskan identity. Furthermore, the reintroduction of sled-dog racing has prompted other regions to adopt similar racing events, spreading interest in this traditional sport globally.