The Internet of Things (IoT) is a system of interrelated computing devices, mechanical and digital machines, objects, animals, or people that are provided with unique identifiers (UIDs) and the ability to transfer data over a network without requiring human-to-human or human-to-computer interaction. A critical component of any IoT system is the sensors.

1. Function of Sensors: The primary function of sensors in an IoT system is to collect data from the environment. They gather information regarding various parameters like temperature, humidity, light, motion, and other relevant environmental factors. This collected data is then used to make decisions, predictions, or trigger other processes within the IoT system.
2. Explanation of Options:
   • To store large amounts of information: This task is typically handled by databases or memory systems, not sensors.
   • To collect data from the environment: This is indeed the main function of sensors, as explained above.
   • To process collected data: Data processing is generally done by the central processing unit or cloud servers after data is collected by sensors.
   • To perform an action that changes the environment: This function is carried out by actuators, not sensors. Actuators receive commands to perform specific actions based on processed data.
3. Conclusion: The correct option is To collect data from the environment, as sensors are designed specifically for gathering real-time information about various environmental conditions, which is then used in the functioning of IoT systems.