What is photoreceptor adaptation?

Photoreceptor adaptation refers to the adjustments made by photoreceptors in the retina in response to varying levels of light intensity. When you move from a brightly lit environment to a dimly lit one, for instance, the photoreceptors — rods and cones — undergo biochemical changes that increase their sensitivity to light. This allows the visual system to maintain functionality across a wide range of lighting conditions.

In brighter light, the photoreceptors become less sensitive to prevent overstimulation, while in low light, they become more sensitive to capture as much light as possible. This dynamic range adaptation is crucial for maintaining optimal vision in different lighting scenarios and is a fundamental aspect of how we perceive our environment. The other options, while related to vision, do not accurately describe the specific process of adaptation that occurs at the photoreceptor level.