What type of immunity is generated by the natural infection of a pathogen?

Active immunity is the correct answer because it refers to the immunity that develops in response to exposure to a pathogen through natural infection. When an individual becomes infected, their immune system recognizes and responds to the pathogen, leading to the production of specific antibodies and the activation of immune cells. This process not only helps to eliminate the infection but also allows the immune system to "remember" the pathogen, providing long-lasting protection against future infections from the same pathogen.

This type of immunity is characterized by a memory component, where the immune system can quickly react upon subsequent exposures to the same pathogen. This is in contrast to passive immunity, which involves the transfer of antibodies from one individual to another and does not involve the recipient's immune response generating its own antibodies. Inherent immunity, which may refer to innate immunity, includes immediate, non-specific defenses that do not develop through exposure to pathogens. Artificial immunity refers to immunity gained through medical interventions, such as vaccinations, rather than through natural infection.