Final answer:
The statement "a congenital failure of the skin is to form melanin pigment" is false because albinism is a genetic disorder resulting from melanocytes failing to produce melanin, not a congenital failure of the skin. Albinism and vitiligo are disorders that affect skin pigmentation but do not directly shorten lifespan. The correct option is b.
Step-by-step explanation:
Albinism is a genetic disorder that leads to the lack of melanin production, but it is not a failure of the skin itself; rather, it is a failure of the melanocytes to produce melanin due to a genetic defect. Melanin is essential for giving color to the skin, hair, and eyes, and it also protects against UV radiation.
Individuals with albinism have a complete or partial absence of melanin, making them appear white or very pale and more susceptible to sunburns and skin cancers. They may also experience vision problems as a result of the lack of pigmentation in the retinal wall.
In the case of vitiligo, this is an autoimmune condition where melanocytes lose their ability to produce melanin in certain areas, leading to loss of skin color in patches. It is important to understand that while these disorders affect the appearance and function of the skin, they do not directly impact the lifespan of an individual. Hence, b is the correct option.