Skin color can be influenced by which of the following factors?

Skin color is primarily influenced by genetic factors, which dictate the amount and type of melanin produced in the skin. Melanin is the pigment responsible for the color of skin, hair, and eyes. Genetics establish a baseline for an individual's skin color, which can vary significantly among different populations.

The environment also plays a key role in skin pigmentation. For example, exposure to ultraviolet (UV) radiation from the sun can lead to an increase in melanin production as a protective response to UV damage, resulting in a darker skin tone. This adaptation is particularly prevalent in individuals living in equatorial regions where sun exposure is high.

Additionally, the volume of blood in the body can influence skin color to some extent. When blood vessels dilate or constrict, it can result in a change in skin tone due to the increased or decreased visibility of blood through the skin. For instance, blushing or vasodilation can cause the skin to appear redder.

While hydration and diet can affect skin health and appearance, they do not directly influence the inherent pigmentation of the skin to the same degree as genetics and environmental factors. Therefore, the combination of genetics, the environment's impact on melanin production, and blood volume variations makes the correct choice a comprehensive explanation