What is meant by 'figure' in figure-ground perception?

In figure-ground perception, 'figure' refers to an object that is perceived as distinct from the background. This concept is central to how we organize visual information; our brains typically distinguish an object (the figure) from its surrounding environment (the ground). This ability allows us to focus on particular elements within a visual field while ignoring other distractions. For example, when looking at a clear image such as a tree in a forest, the tree constitutes the figure, while the forest forms the background. The figure is considered the main focus of attention, enabling individuals to interpret visual scenes effectively.

The other choices do not accurately capture the essence of figure-ground perception; they either mischaracterize what constitutes a figure, emphasize unrelated elements in the environment, or incorrectly define the relationship between objects and their backgrounds. Thus, the correct answer highlights the key role that distinguishable objects play in our perception of visual information.