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What is color constancy?

  1. The ability to recognize colors across different lighting conditions.

  2. A condition where color perception remains constant despite changes in perception.

  3. The theory that colors are perceived through a mix of three primary colors.

  4. The psychological compensation for color when the illumination changes.

The correct answer is: The ability to recognize colors across different lighting conditions.

Color constancy refers to the ability to perceive recognizable colors in a stable manner, regardless of variations in illumination. This means that even if the lighting changes – such as from daylight to artificial light – an object will still appear to have the same color to the observer. This perceptual phenomenon is crucial for accurately identifying objects in different environments, making it easier to navigate and interpret the world visually. The focus on recognizing colors under different lighting conditions underlines how our visual system compensates for changes in light, allowing us to maintain a consistent perception of colors. Other options might cover related aspects of color perception, but they don't encapsulate the essence of how color constancy operates in real-world scenarios.