Kaplan Nursing Entrance Practice Exam

What type of light intensity are cones sensitive to?

1. Low intensity

2. High intensity

3. Moderate intensity

4. Infrared light

The correct answer is: High intensity

Cones are photoreceptor cells in the retina of the eye that are primarily responsible for color vision and function best in bright light conditions. They are highly sensitive to high-intensity light, which allows them to detect and respond to a wide range of colors during daylight. This sensitivity to bright light makes cones essential for activities that require detailed vision and color differentiation, such as reading or observing nature in good lighting. Understanding the role of cones and their sensitivity to high light intensity is crucial in the study of visual perception. In contrast, other photoreceptor cells known as rods are responsible for vision in low-light conditions, making them less sensitive to high-intensity light. Therefore, the choice stating that cones are sensitive to high intensity reflects their primary function in visual processing.