Each of the following statements regarding vision is true. Which statement best explains why we cannot see colors in dim light?
A) The human eye has three kinds of cone photoreceptors.
B) The lateral geniculate nucleus contains opponent color cells.
C) The human eye has only one kind of rod photoreceptor.
D) All photoreceptors contain the same chromophore.
E) Cone photoreceptors are concentrated in the fovea.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Rod photoreceptors are responsible for detecting low levels of light, but they do not detect color. Cone photoreceptors are responsible for color vision but require higher levels of light to detect differences in color. Therefore, in dim light, only the rod photoreceptors are active, and we cannot see colors. Since the human eye has only one type of rod photoreceptor, we are unable to see colors in dim light.

Each of the Following Statements Regarding Vision Is True