The part of the eye responsible for detecting color is the retina, specifically the cones within it. Cones are photoreceptor cells that enable color vision and function best in bright light conditions. There are three types of cones, each sensitive to different wavelengths of light corresponding to red, green, and blue. The brain processes signals from these cones to perceive a wide spectrum of colors. This ability to detect color is vital for various activities, including recognizing objects and navigating the environment.