The process occurring at the sensory receptors that converts physical energy into coded neural activity that the nervous system can process is called __________.

Sensory transduction is the process by which sensory receptors convert physical energy—such as light, sound, or pressure—into neural signals the nervous system can process. Therefore, “sensory transduction” is the correct choice. Thermoreceptor processing refers more narrowly to temperature sensing, not this general conversion process.

AI-written and checked against the verified answer.