Typically, which cones are most numerous and what color do they respond to?

Typically, which cones are most numerous and what color do they respond to?

• A. Medium wavelength cones respond to green
• B. All cone types are equally numerous
• C. Long wavelength cones respond to red
• D. Short wavelength cones respond to blue

Answer: (C)

Three kinds of cones detect different parts of the spectrum: short-wavelength for blue, medium-wavelength for green, and long-wavelength for red. In the human retina, the long-wavelength cones are the most numerous, making up the majority of cone cells, while the short-wavelength cones are the least numerous. Because their peak sensitivity sits at longer wavelengths, these long-wavelength cones respond best to red light. That combination—being the most abundant and tuned to longer wavelengths—explains why this option is the best description. The medium-wavelength cones detect green, but they’re not as numerous as the long-wavelength ones, and the short-wavelength cones, while they do blue, are the least common overall.

Three kinds of cones detect different parts of the spectrum: short-wavelength for blue, medium-wavelength for green, and long-wavelength for red. In the human retina, the long-wavelength cones are the most numerous, making up the majority of cone cells, while the short-wavelength cones are the least numerous. Because their peak sensitivity sits at longer wavelengths, these long-wavelength cones respond best to red light. That combination—being the most abundant and tuned to longer wavelengths—explains why this option is the best description. The medium-wavelength cones detect green, but they’re not as numerous as the long-wavelength ones, and the short-wavelength cones, while they do blue, are the least common overall.