Diurnal animals are those that are active during the day, whereas nocturnal animals are active at night.

Diurnal animals, including species such as birds, reptiles, and some mammals, have evolved to thrive in daylight hours. Their well-developed eyesight and color vision enable them to efficiently locate food and evade predators. Additionally, these animals maintain a higher body temperature during the day, which enhances their activity levels and energy expenditure. To conserve energy, diurnal animals typically rest or sleep at night.

In contrast, nocturnal animals—such as owls, bats, and certain rodents—are adapted to be active during the night. They possess highly developed senses of hearing, smell, and touch, which assist them in navigating and foraging in low-light conditions. These animals also exhibit elevated body temperatures at night, allowing for increased activity and energy use. Nocturnal species often sleep or rest during the day to minimize the risk of predation and to conserve energy.

Some animals, like cats and foxes, are classified as crepuscular, meaning they are most active during the twilight periods of dawn and dusk. This behavior allows them to capitalize on low light conditions, coinciding with when their prey is most active. Other species, such as sloths and koalas, are arboreal, spending the majority of their lives in trees. Their activity patterns may vary depending on their diet and the availability of food, allowing them to be either diurnal or nocturnal.

Understanding the activity patterns of these animals is crucial for effective conservation and management efforts. Such knowledge aids in protecting and managing their habitats while also mitigating the impact of human activities on wildlife.