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Multiple Choice
Innate immunity is ______.
A
only found in vertebrates
B
a non-specific defense mechanism present from birth
C
a highly specific response developed after exposure to pathogens
D
mediated exclusively by antibodies
Verified step by step guidance
1
Step 1: Begin by understanding the concept of innate immunity. Innate immunity is the first line of defense in an organism's immune system and is present from birth.
Step 2: Recognize that innate immunity is non-specific, meaning it does not target specific pathogens but rather provides a general defense against a wide range of invaders.
Step 3: Compare innate immunity to adaptive immunity. Adaptive immunity is highly specific and develops after exposure to pathogens, whereas innate immunity is immediate and does not require prior exposure.
Step 4: Note that innate immunity is not mediated exclusively by antibodies. Instead, it involves physical barriers (like skin), chemical barriers (like stomach acid), and cellular responses (like phagocytes).
Step 5: Eliminate incorrect options based on the characteristics of innate immunity and identify the correct description: 'a non-specific defense mechanism present from birth.'