The primary role of sensory receptors in animals is to detect and respond to environmental stimuli, allowing organisms to perceive their surroundings. These specialized cells or structures convert various forms of energy (like light, sound, or chemicals) into electrical signals transmitted to the nervous system. This process enables animals to react to changes in their environment, find food, avoid predators, and locate mates. Different sensory modalities, such as vision, hearing, and taste, provide essential information that enhances survival and reproductive success within diverse habitats.