Final answer:
The correct option is D. visual association areas. Color, object movement, and depth are processed in the visual association areas surrounding the primary visual cortex in the cerebral cortex.
Step-by-step explanation:
The processing of color, object movement, and depth occurs in the visual association areas of the cerebral cortex. Specifically, these functions are carried out by the surrounding regions of the primary visual cortex (area V1), known as areas V2 and V3.
The visual association cortex adds complexity to visual perceptions by integrating color and motion information. It then sends this processed information to regions of the temporal and parietal lobes through two separate streams of processing: the ventral stream and the dorsal stream. The ventral stream identifies visual stimuli and their significance, while the dorsal stream locates objects in space and helps guide body movements in response to visual inputs.