Short-lived immunity acquired from mother to foetus across placenta or through mother's milk to the infant is categorised as :-
- Passive immunity
- Cellular immunity
- Innate non-specific immunity
- Active immunity
Answer
(1) Passive immunity
Solution
As per NCERT, when ready-made antibodies are directly given to protect the body against foreign agents, it is called passive immunity.
The yellowish fluid colostrum secreted by the mother during the initial days of lactation has abundant IgA antibodies to protect the infant, and the foetus also receives some antibodies from the mother through the placenta during pregnancy.
∵ The infant does not make these antibodies itself, the protection is short-lived.
∴ It is passive immunity.
Answer: (1)