Which statement about the theories of color vision is correct?

The assertion that color vision includes elements of both trichromatic theory and opponent-process theory reflects a more comprehensive understanding of how we perceive color. The trichromatic theory, proposed by Thomas Young and Hermann von Helmholtz, suggests that our perception of color is based on the activity of three types of cones in the retina, each sensitive to different wavelengths of light—short (blue), medium (green), and long (red). This theory explains the initial stage of color detection.

On the other hand, opponent-process theory, developed by Ewald Hering, describes how color perception is influenced by opposing pairs of colors—red vs. green, blue vs. yellow, and black vs. white. This theory addresses how colors are processed after the initial detection in the cones, particularly in the ganglion cells and the visual cortex, which favor certain color combinations over others.

The integration of both theories helps to explain the complexity of color vision more thoroughly. The initial detection by cones (trichromatic theory) is followed by the more complex processing and interpretation that occurs later in the visual pathway (opponent-process theory). This understanding highlights the multifaceted nature of color perception, showing that both theories provide valuable insights into how we experience color.