What is the main function of rods in the eye?

The main function of rods in the eye is to detect motion and provide vision in low-light conditions. Rods are photoreceptor cells located in the retina and are highly sensitive to light. They are responsible for peripheral vision and allow for the detection of movement, especially in dim environments where color perception is limited. This capability is crucial for night vision and helps organisms identify potential threats or movement in their surroundings.

While rod cells primarily function in low light and contribute to detecting motion, they do not play a significant role in color detection, which is the function of cone cells. Similarly, rods do not regulate light exposure; this task is more associated with the iris and pupil in the eye. Support for visual acuity, or sharpness of vision, is also predominantly the role of cone cells rather than rods, as cones enable clear, detailed vision in well-lit conditions.