What commonality exists between rods and cones in the retina?

Rods and cones are both types of photoreceptors located in the retina of the eye, which means they are specialized neurons that respond to light. This commonality is fundamental to how the visual system works. Rods are highly sensitive to light and enable vision in dim conditions, but they do not detect color. In contrast, cones are responsible for color vision and function best in bright light conditions. Both types work together to provide the brain with essential information about the visual environment, making their role as photoreceptors crucial to the visual process.

This understanding highlights the complementary functions of rods and cones, but it is specifically their classification as photoreceptors that unites them.