What does "urban ecology" primarily study?

Urban ecology primarily focuses on the relationships between living organisms and their urban environments. This field of study examines how various biological entities—such as plants, animals, and humans—interact with and adapt to the complexities of urban ecosystems. It delves into how urbanization affects biodiversity, species distribution, and ecological interactions, exploring the dynamic interplay of both natural and man-made factors within city landscapes.

This understanding is crucial for enhancing urban planning and development, allowing for strategies that promote sustainability and biodiversity in increasingly populated areas. By studying these relationships, urban ecologists can inform policies that help mitigate environmental challenges posed by urbanization, contributing to healthier cities both ecologically and socially.

The other answer choices, while relevant to urban studies, don't encapsulate the core focus of urban ecology. Population movements relate more to demographics, economic transactions connect to urban economics, and architectural evolution ties into urban design, none of which directly pertain to ecological interactions in an urban context.