Which of the following is an example of a specific body defense mechanism?

Immunity is recognized as a specific body defense mechanism because it involves a targeted response to particular pathogens. Unlike nonspecific defenses, which include barriers that act against a wide range of invaders (such as skin and mucus), immunity activates specialized cells and antibodies that recognize and remember specific antigens. This allows the body to mount a more effective and accelerated response upon subsequent exposure to the same pathogen, highlighting the adaptive nature of immunity.

In contrast, the inflammatory response serves a general protective function by initiating healing processes and attracting immune cells to the site of injury, while physical barriers like skin and mucus create a frontline defense against all types of pathogens without specificity. Thus, the defining characteristic of immunity is its ability to tailor its response to specific threats, making it a critical component of the body's defense mechanisms.