Why is it best to look slightly off center to see a distant, dim star?
A) Light reaches rods directly in the periphery, without having to pass through layers of cells and blood vessels.
B) Cones are absent in the fovea and numerous in the retinal periphery, and are more sensitive than rods to dim light.
C) Rods are numerous in the fovea and absent in the retinal periphery, and are sensitive to dim light.
D) Rods are absent in the fovea and numerous in the retinal periphery, and are sensitive to dim light.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Rods are absent in the fovea, which is the center of the retina responsible for detailed vision, and numerous in the retinal periphery, which is the outer edge of the retina. Rods are more sensitive to dim light than cones, which are responsible for color vision and are mostly present in the fovea. Therefore, looking slightly off center allows more light to reach the numerous rods in the retinal periphery, enhancing our ability to see a distant, dim star.

Why Is It Best to Look Slightly Off Center to See