Here's a breakdown:
* Melanin: This is the primary pigment responsible for fur color in mammals, including howler monkeys. It comes in two forms:
* Eumelanin: Produces black and brown colors.
* Pheomelanin: Produces reddish-brown and yellow colors.
* Other factors: The amount and distribution of melanin, as well as other pigments, can influence the final color of the fur. For example, some howler monkeys have patches of white fur due to the absence of melanin in those areas.
Different howler monkey species have different fur colors:
* Mantled howler monkeys: Are typically black or dark brown with a distinctive reddish-brown "mantle" on their back.
* Black howler monkeys: Are primarily black, but may have some brown or reddish-brown coloration.
* Red howler monkeys: Have reddish-brown fur.
* Brown howler monkeys: Have various shades of brown fur.
The specific color of a howler monkey is determined by its genetics. This is why some species have a consistent color pattern, while others have a wider range of color variations.