Here's a breakdown of the term:
* Ecto-: This prefix means "outside" or "external".
* Parasite: An organism that lives in or on another organism (the host) and benefits by deriving nutrients at the host's expense.
Some common examples of ectoparasites include:
* Fleas
* Ticks
* Lice
* Mites
* Some types of worms
It's important to distinguish ectoparasites from endoparasites, which live *inside* the body of their host (like tapeworms or roundworms).