Any of a group of naturally occurring dark (i.e., like the color black) pigments, especially the pigment found in skin, hair, fur, and feathers. Melanin is produced through a multistage chemical process known as melanogenesis, where the oxidation of the amino acid tyrosine is followed by polymerization. The melanin pigments are produced in a specialized group of cells known as melanocytes. Functionally, melanin serves as protection against UV radiation.