What is the primary purpose of scotopic vision?

Scotopic vision primarily refers to the ability to see in low-light conditions, which is primarily facilitated by the rod cells in the retina. These rod cells are highly sensitive to light, allowing for vision in darkness or dimly lit environments. The primary purpose of scotopic vision is to enable night vision, as it helps individuals navigate and perceive their surroundings when light levels are insufficient for color and detail perception, which are functions of photopic vision (the vision under well-lit conditions).

This ability is crucial for activities such as navigating at night or in environments where light is limited. Unlike photopic vision, which is responsible for color perception and high acuity, scotopic vision does not support color distinction or detailed shape recognition effectively. Therefore, this specific adaptation highlights how the human visual system is designed to operate under varying light conditions.