What distinguishes lighted buoys?

Lighted buoys are specifically designed to aid navigation by providing visual signals that correspond to their physical characteristics, such as color and shape. The correct choice highlights that lighted buoys use lateral marker shapes, colors, and numbers that have a corresponding colored light. This means that the color of the light emitted from the buoy matches its physical colors and shapes, which helps boaters identify the correct markers for safe navigation.

For example, a green buoy may have a green light, while a red buoy typically has a red light. This correlation helps in creating a consistent system for navigation where mariners can easily identify markers even in low visibility conditions. This alignment of colors and shapes is crucial for ensuring safety on the water, as it allows for quick recognition of navigational aids.

The other options provided do not accurately reflect the characteristics of lighted buoys. While it's true that some buoys are marked with specific colors, lighted buoys can have both green and red lights depending on their function. The mention of cone-shaped markers and yellow markings does not pertain to the standard distinction of lighted buoys either. Therefore, the focus on both the colored lights and the physical attributes is what makes the correct answer the most appropriate choice.