Which pigment is considered the determinative pigment for all races?

Melanin is considered the determinative pigment for all races because it is the primary pigment responsible for the coloration of skin, hair, and eyes in humans. The amount and type of melanin produced by melanocytes—cells found in the skin—directly influence an individual's skin tone and pigmentation.

There are different forms of melanin, including eumelanin (which can appear brown or black) and pheomelanin (which produces a reddish or yellow hue). The genetic factors that govern melanin production can vary widely among different populations, leading to the diverse range of skin tones observed across races.

While other pigments like carotene and hemoglobin are present in the body and can affect the appearance of skin color to some extent, they do not serve as the primary determinant of racial pigmentation. Carotene, for instance, contributes a yellowish tint and is often more prominent in individuals with certain dietary habits, while hemoglobin is responsible for the red color of blood and can influence skin tone but is not a pigment in the same sense as melanin. Chlorophyll is a pigment found in plants and has no relevance in determining human skin color.