Explanation:

Let’s break it down, here’s what you need to know:

- Beta-carotene (Option 2)

- This is the red-orange pigment you find in carrots and lots of colorful vegetables.

- It’s a powerful antioxidant, which means it helps protect your cells from damage.

- Your body can turn beta-carotene into vitamin A, which is good for your eyes, brain, skin, and even your lungs.

- Beta-cryptoxanthin (Option 1)

- Also a plant pigment, but it’s more yellow-orange and less common than beta-carotene.

- It has antioxidant properties but isn’t the main pigment in carrots.

- Zeaxanthin (Option 3)

- Found mostly in green leafy veggies and some yellow fruits.

- It’s great for eye health, especially in the retina, but it’s not the red-orange pigment in carrots.

- Lutein (Option 4)

- Another yellow pigment, mostly in leafy greens.

- Like zeaxanthin, it’s essential for your eyes but not the answer here.

So, beta-carotene is the pigment you’re looking for—carrots owe that orange color to it.