Final answer:
Darwin was interested in artificial selection because it provided important clues about the natural evolution of species and supported his theory of natural selection.
Step-by-step explanation:
During his travels on the Beagle, Darwin had been thinking about artificial selection-the selective breeding of animals to produce traits that humans find useful, commonly associated with the process of domestication. Darwin understood that artificial selection provided important clues about the natural evolution of species. Artificial selection is similar to natural selection in that both processes cause organisms to be better adapted over time. However, artificial selection is directed by humans, while natural selection is a result of environmental factors and survival advantages. Darwin was interested in artificial selection because it demonstrated that organisms could change over time with selective breeding, which supported his theory of natural selection.