How do monocular cues contribute to depth perception?

Monocular cues are essential in depth perception as they enable individuals to gauge distances and the spatial arrangement of objects using just one eye. This capability is vital, especially in situations where the use of both eyes is not possible. Relative size is a prime example of a monocular cue; when two objects are known to be the same size, the one that appears smaller is perceived as being farther away. Linear perspective is another important monocular cue, where parallel lines seem to converge in the distance, enhancing our sense of depth.

These cues differ from binocular cues, which rely on the disparity between the two eyes due to their separation and allow for a more precise depth perception. Monocular cues effectively inform our understanding of three-dimensional space, letting us interpret distances and relationships in our environment adequately.