Which type of receptor is responsible for detecting light?

Photoreceptors are specialized sensory receptors that respond to light stimuli, converting light into electrical signals that the brain can interpret. These receptors are crucial for vision, allowing organisms to perceive their environment based on light. They contain proteins called photopigments that undergo a chemical change in response to light, leading to a cascade of events that result in the generation of nerve impulses.

In animals, there are two main types of photoreceptors: rods, which are sensitive to low light levels and help with night vision, and cones, which are responsible for color vision and function best in bright light. This specialized ability to detect and process light distinguishes photoreceptors from other types of receptors.

Chemoreceptors respond to chemical stimuli, mechanoreceptors detect mechanical pressure or distortion, and thermoreceptors are sensitive to temperature changes. However, none of these receptor types are involved in the process of detecting light. Thus, photoreceptors are specifically adapted for this function, making them the correct answer.