What is sensory adaptation in the context of sensory receptors?

• A. The ability of sensory receptors to detect changes in the environment immediately.
• B. The increase in sensitivity of sensory receptors to a constant stimulus.
• C. The process by which sensory receptors become less responsive to constant stimuli over time.
• D. The complete cessation of sensory receptor activity in response to a stimulus.

Answer: (C)

Verified step by step guidance

1. Begin by understanding the concept of sensory adaptation. Sensory adaptation refers to the process by which sensory receptors become less responsive to constant stimuli over time.
2. Consider the role of sensory receptors in detecting environmental changes. Sensory receptors are specialized cells that detect specific types of stimuli, such as light, sound, or touch.
3. Recognize that sensory adaptation is a mechanism that allows organisms to focus on changes in their environment rather than constant stimuli, which might otherwise overwhelm the sensory system.
4. Explore examples of sensory adaptation, such as the way our eyes adjust to darkness or how we stop noticing the feeling of clothes on our skin after wearing them for a while.
5. Understand that sensory adaptation is crucial for efficient sensory processing, allowing the brain to prioritize new and important information over unchanging background stimuli.