What type of melanin provides brown to black pigments?

Eumelanin is the type of melanin responsible for brown to black pigments in hair, skin, and eyes. It is produced in various amounts throughout the body and plays a significant role in determining the color of hair and skin. Higher concentrations of eumelanin lead to darker hair and skin tones, while lower concentrations result in lighter colors.

In comparison, phaeomelanin produces yellow to red pigments and is not responsible for the darker shades. Allomelanin is a less common type of melanin and is not typically discussed in the context of hair and skin pigmentation. Carotene, on the other hand, is a pigment found in plants that contributes to yellow and orange coloration but is not a form of melanin. Understanding the specific roles of these pigments helps clarify why eumelanin is the correct answer when discussing brown to black pigmentation.