The role of sensory receptors in perception is to detect and process stimuli from the environment, enabling organisms to interpret and respond to their surroundings. These specialized cells convert various forms of energy, such as light, sound, and taste, into electrical signals sent to the brain. This process is critical for survival, as it informs behaviors related to foraging, predation, and social interactions. Understanding sensory receptors enhances knowledge of perception mechanisms and can inform fields such as neuroscience and behavioral ecology.