What is a characteristic of scotopic vision?

Scotopic vision refers to the ability of the human eye to see in low-light conditions. This vision relies primarily on rod cells in the retina, which are more sensitive to light than cone cells that facilitate photopic vision (vision in bright light). Rods are responsible for detecting dim light and motion but do not contribute to color perception, which is why this aspect of vision is less effective under low-light conditions.

The characteristic nature of scotopic vision enables individuals to navigate and perceive their surroundings when natural or artificial light is minimal. This ability is critical for night vision, making it essential for activities like nighttime driving or navigating dark areas.

In contrast, other aspects like the requirement for bright light, high visual acuity, and color discrimination are features associated with photopic vision rather than scotopic vision. Thus, scotopic vision is defined by its functionality in low-light environments.