What is the primary difference between rods and cones in the human retina?

• A. Rods are concentrated in the fovea, while cones are distributed throughout the retina.
• B. Rods detect fine detail, while cones are more sensitive to motion.
• C. Rods are responsible for color vision, while cones are responsible for low-light vision.
• D. Rods are more sensitive to light and are responsible for vision in dim light, while cones are responsible for color vision and function best in bright light.

Answer: (D)

Verified step by step guidance

1. Begin by understanding the structure of the human retina, which contains two types of photoreceptor cells: rods and cones.
2. Rods are specialized for low-light conditions and are highly sensitive to light, allowing us to see in dimly lit environments. They do not detect color and are primarily responsible for night vision.
3. Cones, on the other hand, are responsible for color vision and function optimally in bright light conditions. They allow us to perceive fine detail and a wide range of colors.
4. Consider the distribution of these photoreceptors: rods are more numerous and are distributed throughout the retina, except in the fovea, which is densely packed with cones.
5. Reflect on the functional differences: rods are crucial for peripheral and night vision, while cones are essential for central vision and color discrimination.