Final answer:
The components needed for natural selection to operate within a population are variation, selective pressure, and reproduction.
Step-by-step explanation:
Components necessary for natural selection to operate within a population:
- Variation: Natural selection can only occur if there are differences or variations among individuals in a population. These variations must have a genetic basis, allowing them to be passed on to the next generation.
- Selective Pressure: A selective pressure such as competition, predation, or change in the environment must be present to favor certain variations over others. Individuals with favorable variations are more likely to survive and reproduce.
- Reproduction: Only individuals who survive and reproduce can pass on their genetic traits to the next generation. The traits that contribute to survival and reproductive success become more prevalent in the population over time.