Final answer:
An absolute threshold is the minimum stimulus energy needed for detection 50% of the time, reflecting sensory system sensitivity,
Step-by-step explanation:
The term that refers to the minimum amount of stimulus energy required to be detected 50% of the time is known as the absolute threshold. This concept is foundational in the field of sensation and perception, particularly within studies of human and animal sensory systems. The absolute threshold is a measure of how sensitive an organism's sensory receptors are to varying intensities of stimuli. For example, on a clear night, the human eye's most sensitive cells can detect a candle flame from miles away, and in complete silence, the receptor cells of the inner ear can pick up the faint tick of a clock from a distance. The applications of understanding these thresholds extend to multiple fields including signal detection theory, which is instrumental in enhancing the accuracy of professions requiring high perceptual sensitivity, like air traffic control.
The subject of this question is Biology and it pertains to the concept of absolute threshold. Absolute threshold refers to the minimum amount of stimulus energy that must be present for the stimulus to be detected 50% of the time. It determines the sensitivity of our sensory receptors. For example, the sensory cells in the back of the eye can detect a candle flame 30 miles away, and the receptor cells of the inner ear can detect the tick of a clock 20 feet away.