Define 'coral nursery' in the context of restoration.

A coral nursery refers to a designated area where corals are specifically cultivated and cared for prior to being transplanted to their natural habitats as part of restoration efforts. These nurseries provide an optimal environment for young corals to grow and develop, which is crucial for increasing their chances of survival once they are moved to reefs that have been degraded or damaged. In the nursery, environmental conditions such as water quality, light, and flow can be monitored and managed, ensuring that the corals are healthy and robust when they are ultimately reintroduced to the wild. This method plays a key role in the restoration of coral reefs, as it allows for the propagation of coral species that are resilient and have potential for adapting to changing environmental conditions.

The other options do not accurately represent the function of a coral nursery; for instance, storing dead coral fragments does not aid in the restoration process, nor does it contribute to the cultivation of live corals. Similarly, a specialized zone for tourism does not focus on the growth and recovery of coral populations, and while studying diseases is vital for understanding coral health, it does not involve the proactive cultivation and restoration of coral species.