Final answer:
The correct answer is b. Meriwether Lewis was an excellent choice to co-lead the expedition due to his expertise in botany and geography, which aligned with the mission's goals to map the territory, catalog its resources, and create trade relations.
Step-by-step explanation:
Meriwether Lewis was a good choice to co-lead the expedition due to his expertise in botany and geography. Lewis's background and skills were well-aligned with the objectives of the Lewis and Clark expedition. As President Thomas Jefferson's private secretary, he became acquainted with the goals of the exploration and was appointed to carry them into execution.
His expertise was crucial for mapping the territory, documenting its natural resources, and establishing relations with Native American tribes for potential trade routes. Furthermore, his firsthand knowledge of presidential objectives and his prior military experience provided him with the leadership capabilities necessary to guide such a significant mission.