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Mites are small arthropods belonging to the class Arachnida, making them distant relatives of spiders and scorpions. They are characterized by their tiny size, usually measuring less than 1mm in length, and their soft, unsegmented bodies. Mites have four pairs of legs and lack the segmented body parts seen in other arachnids like scorpions or spiders. They inhabit a wide range of environments, including soil, water, plants, and animal hosts. Mites are incredibly diverse, with over 50,000 known species, and play important roles in ecosystems, such as decomposing organic matter, controlling pest populations, and serving as food sources for other animals. Some mites are parasitic, feeding on the blood or skin of animals, including humans, and can cause various health issues. Despite their small size, mites have a significant impact on the world around us.