Parasite ecology is the study of the relationships between parasites and their hosts within ecosystems. Parasites are organisms that live on or in a host, deriving nutrients at the host's expense. This interaction can affect the host's health, behavior, and population dynamics, influencing the overall balance of the ecosystem. In parasite ecology, researchers examine various factors, such as host diversity, environmental conditions, and the life cycles of parasites. Understanding these interactions helps scientists predict how changes in the environment, like climate change or habitat destruction, can impact both parasite populations and their hosts, including humans, animals, and plants.