Which of the following are examples of photoreceptors?

Rods and cones are both types of photoreceptors located in the retina of the eye. They are specialized cells responsible for converting light into electrical signals, which are then transmitted to the brain for visual processing. Rods are highly sensitive to low light levels and are primarily responsible for night vision, while cones function best in bright light conditions and are responsible for color vision and fine detail. These characteristics distinctly classify rods and cones as photoreceptors, making them the correct choice for this question.

In contrast, hair cells are involved in the auditory and vestibular systems, detecting sound waves and motion, respectively. Neurons, while essential for transmitting signals within the nervous system, do not specifically respond to light; they can be involved in various types of signal transmission. Thermoreceptors are responsible for detecting temperature changes and do not play a role in vision or light detection. Thus, the distinction of rods and cones as photoreceptors is clear and well-established in the context of sensory receptors.