What type of melanin produces brownish skin tones?

The production of brownish skin tones is primarily due to eumelanin, which is one of the two main types of melanin found in human skin. Eumelanin is responsible for the darker shades of skin, hair, and eyes. Specifically, it is a brown or black pigment that provides a higher level of protection against UV radiation, making it particularly advantageous in equatorial regions where sun exposure is more intense.

In contrast, pheomelanin, the other main type of melanin, is responsible for lighter skin tones and red or blonde hair but does not contribute to brownish pigmentation. Phacomelanin is not typically associated with human skin tones but rather with certain types of pigmentation disorders. Carotene is a pigment found in plants that can influence skin color, but it does so by giving a yellowish tint rather than a brown or black shade.

Understanding these different types of melanin is essential in fields like anthropology, as they tie into discussions about human adaptation and variation across different environments.