What type of sensory receptor responds to changes in light intensity?

The correct answer is photoreceptor, as these specialized cells are specifically designed to detect light. Photoreceptors are found primarily in the retina of the eye and are sensitive to different wavelengths of light, which allows for the perception of visual stimuli. They play a crucial role in converting light into electrical signals that can be processed by the brain, enabling vision.

Photoreceptors come in two main types: rods and cones. Rods are responsible for vision in low light conditions and are highly sensitive to light intensity, while cones are responsible for color vision and function best in bright light. This distinction highlights how photoreceptors are vital for not only detecting changes in light intensity but also contributing to our overall visual experience.

The other types of receptors listed do not respond to light. Mechanoreceptors are sensitive to mechanical changes, such as pressure or vibration, thermoreceptors respond to changes in temperature, and mechanosensory receptors are a subset of mechanoreceptors that specifically detect touch and proprioception rather than light.