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How do rods and cones differ in function?

Rods and cones differ in function as rods detect light and dark, while cones detect colour and fine detail.

Rods and cones are two types of photoreceptor cells found in the retina of the eye. They are responsible for converting light into signals that can be processed by the brain to form visual images. However, they each have a distinct role in this process.

Rods are more sensitive to light and allow us to see in low-light conditions, such as at night. They are not sensitive to colour, so when we see in low-light conditions, we see in shades of grey. This is why our night vision is not as sharp or colourful as our daytime vision. Rods are more numerous than cones and are distributed more widely across the retina, but are not found in the fovea, the area of the retina responsible for sharp central vision.

On the other hand, cones are responsible for our ability to see colour and fine detail. They require more light to function than rods, so they are primarily active during daylight conditions. There are three types of cones, each sensitive to a different range of wavelengths of light, which correspond to the colours red, green, and blue. By comparing the signals from these different types of cones, our brain can interpret a full spectrum of colours. Cones are concentrated in the fovea, which is why our central vision is much sharper and more colourful than our peripheral vision.

In summary, rods and cones work together to provide us with a complete visual experience. Rods enable us to see in low-light conditions and provide peripheral vision, while cones allow us to see in colour and perceive fine detail in well-lit conditions.

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