Which statement about photoreceptors is true?

• A. Rods provide color vision and cones provide night vision.
• B. Cones provide color vision; Rods provide night vision.
• C. Cones are active only in low light.
• D. Rods detect color better than cones.

Answer: (B)

Photoreceptors come in two main types with different lighting specializations. Rods are extremely sensitive and work well in dim light, helping you see shapes and movement at night, but they do not detect color. Cones need brighter light and provide color vision along with high-acuity, detailed vision; there are different cone types for various wavelengths that together enable color perception. Because of these roles, the statement that cones provide color vision and rods provide night vision best reflects how these cells function. The other ideas misstate who handles color versus low-light vision or claim cones are active in low light, which isn’t accurate.