CAIE IGCSE Biology 14.2.7 Distribution of Rods & Cones
Practise describing rod and cone distributions across the retina using graphs, the fovea and the blind spot.
- Syllabus
- 2026–2028
- Course
- Biology 0610
Practise describing rod and cone distributions across the retina using graphs, the fovea and the blind spot.
The eye is adapted for focusing on near and distant objects.
Fig. 3.1 shows the parts of the eye involved in focusing. The eye is focused on a distant object.

Fig. 3.1
Rods and cones are the receptors in the retina of the eye.
Fig. 3.2 is a photograph showing regions of a human retina, as viewed through the pupil at the front of the eye.

Fig. 3.2
Complete Table 3.1 to show the distribution of rods and cones across the retina.
Use these words to complete the table, each word may be used once, more than once or not at all:


Table 3.1
Complete correct answer:
Complete Table 3.1:
- rods: many in the peripheral retina; none at the blind spot; none / few at the fovea.
- cones: few in the peripheral retina; none at the blind spot; many at the fovea.
Marking guidance:
Award one mark for each correct column, maximum 3 marks.