Mannitol salt agar selects for Staphylococcus aureus by inhibiting susceptible bacteria with salt and using mannitol for differentiation through color change.
Mannitol salt agar is selective for Staphylococcus aureus because it contains a high salt concentration that inhibits the growth of bacteria susceptible to osmotic stress. Additionally, the medium contains mannitol, which is a fermentable substrate for some bacteria, allowing differentiation based on color change. Therefore, the correct answer is: O a. can withstand high salt concentration.
https://brainly.com/question/46393606