Ecology
Parasite
An organism that lives in or on a host organism, deriving nutrients at the host's expense. Parasites typically harm but don't immediately kill their hosts.
Biological Context
Parasitism is enormously common—possibly most species are parasites. Parasites evolve to exploit hosts while avoiding killing them (which would end the relationship). Host-parasite coevolution drives rapid evolutionary change in both parties.
Business Application
Parasitic business relationships extract value without providing commensurate benefit. Rent-seeking, exploitative contracts, and value-extracting intermediaries are parasitic. Unlike predators, parasites prefer their hosts alive—they extract continuously rather than consuming entirely.