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Parasites are organisms that live on or in another organism, known as the host, and derive their sustenance at the host's expense. They can be found in various forms, including animals, arachnids, and ticks. Parasitic relationships can range from mildly inconvenient to debilitating or even fatal for the host. Some parasites have complex life cycles that involve multiple hosts or stages of development in different environments. In general, parasites exhibit specific adaptations that allow them to exploit their hosts, such as specialized mouthparts for feeding or behaviors that facilitate transmission between hosts. For example, ticks are arachnids that feed on the blood of mammals, birds, and reptiles, and can transmit a variety of diseases in the process. Parasites play important roles in ecosystems, as they help regulate populations of their hosts and contribute to nutrient cycling. However, they can also cause significant harm to human health and agriculture, making them objects of study and control efforts in fields such as medicine, veterinary science, and entomology.