What concept is illustrated when specific neurons in the visual cortex fire in response to light bars oriented at specific angles?

The correct concept illustrated when specific neurons in the visual cortex fire in response to light bars oriented at specific angles is known as feature detection. This phenomenon occurs when certain neurons, often referred to as "feature detectors," respond selectively to specific characteristics of visual stimuli, such as orientation, movement, and edges. For example, some neurons may be highly responsive to vertical lines, while others may respond to horizontal lines or lines at certain angles. This selectivity allows the visual system to analyze complex images by breaking them down into simpler components, thereby contributing to our ability to perceive shapes and forms in our environment.

In the context of visual processing, this ability to detect specific features is crucial for tasks such as recognizing objects, identifying patterns, and interpreting spatial relationships. Feature detection plays a foundational role in how we understand and interact with visual information, making it a fundamental aspect of visual perception.