Figure-ground perception is a cognitive process that allows individuals to distinguish an object (the figure) from its background (the ground). This ability helps us identify and focus on specific elements in our environment, such as recognizing a dog in a park or a word on a page. This perception is crucial for visual understanding and can be influenced by factors like contrast, color, and shape. For example, a white vase on a black table stands out clearly, while a camouflaged animal blends into its surroundings, making it harder to detect.