What is the purpose of enrichment cultures in microbial ecology? a. To obtain pure cultures of microorganisms b. To provide nutrients for fast-growing microbes c. To prove the presence of a specific organism in a habitat d. To eliminate rapidly growing "w

The purpose of enrichment cultures in microbial ecology is primarily **c. To prove the presence of a specific organism in a habitat**. Enrichment cultures are designed to favor the growth of a particular microorganism or group of microorganisms by providing specific nutrients or conditions that enhance their proliferation while suppressing others. This technique helps in isolating and identifying specific microbial populations from a mixed community in their natural environment.