What aspect of vision is primarily impacted in low-light conditions?

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Study for the AP Psychology test's biological bases of behavior section. Engage with interactive questions, learn with detailed explanations, boost your score, and get exam ready!

In low-light conditions, the ability to perceive brightness is notably diminished, leading to challenges with color sensation. This is primarily because color vision relies on cone cells in the retina, which are less effective in dim light. Instead, rod cells, which are more sensitive to low light levels, primarily take over, but they do not provide information about color.

In situations of reduced illumination, our visual system experiences a shift away from vibrant color recognition towards shades of gray and less distinctive color differentiation. As light conditions decrease, color sensitivity declines, making it difficult for the human eye to perceive different hues. This highlights why color sensation is primarily impacted in low-light situations, as the reliance on rods over cones results in a loss of vibrant color information.

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