Which type of light receptor is primarily responsible for vision in low light conditions?

Rods are the type of light receptor primarily responsible for vision in low light conditions. These photoreceptors are highly sensitive to light, making them crucial for night vision and for seeing in dimly lit environments. Rods contain a pigment called rhodopsin, which is extremely effective at capturing photons even when they are sparse. This sensitivity allows rods to generate visual signals in low illumination, although they do not contribute to color vision, which is a function of cones.

In contrast, cones, which are another type of photoreceptor, function best in bright light and are responsible for color vision and high spatial acuity. Photoreceptors is a broader term that encompasses both rods and cones, but it does not specify the type responsible for low light vision. Pigments, while essential for the function of photoreceptors, do not directly refer to the specific type of receptor involved in low light conditions. Thus, when considering which receptors enable vision in dim lighting, rods are the definitive choice.