General protection from invading microbes is known as which of the following?

The concept of general protection from invading microbes is best described by the term "innate immunity." Innate immunity refers to the body's first line of defense against pathogens, which includes physical barriers like the skin and mucous membranes, as well as various immune cells that respond quickly to foreign invaders. This type of immunity is present at birth and provides a broad, non-specific defense mechanism against a wide range of pathogens.

In contrast, specific immunity, also known as adaptive immunity, involves a targeted response to specific pathogens and develops over time as the body encounters various infections. This includes the formation of antibodies and memory cells that provide long-lasting protection against specific invaders. Thus, while both specific and innate immunity play essential roles in the immune system, general protection from microbes specifically aligns with the characteristics of innate immunity.