Pigments are natural or synthetic substances that give color to materials. They are found in various forms, such as powders or liquids, and are used in products like paints, inks, and cosmetics. Pigments work by absorbing certain wavelengths of light and reflecting others, which is why we see different colors. In nature, pigments are essential for processes like photosynthesis in plants, where chlorophyll absorbs sunlight to help produce energy. Other examples include carotenoids, which provide orange and yellow hues in fruits and vegetables, and melanin, which gives color to skin, hair, and eyes in animals and humans.