Final answer:
The green pigment found in chloroplasts that is vital for photosynthesis is called chlorophyll, which is the primary pigment responsible for the green color of leaves. Other pigments like carotenoids and anthocyanins are also present but are not the main pigment for capturing light energy. The correct answer is chlorophyll.
Step-by-step explanation:
The distinctive feature of chloroplasts is that they contain a green pigment called chlorophyll. Chlorophyll is crucial for the process of photosynthesis, as it captures the light energy that is necessary for converting carbon dioxide and water into glucose and oxygen. In higher plants, chlorophyll a and chlorophyll b are the types of chlorophyll found within the chloroplasts' thylakoid membranes and are responsible for the green color of leaves. While chlorophyll is the primary pigment for capturing light energy, other pigments such as carotenoids and anthocyanins also play a role in the photosynthetic process, but they are not the main pigment. Therefore, the correct answer to your question is 1) Chlorophyll.