What term describes animals that are primarily active during the night?

The term that describes animals that are primarily active during the night is "nocturnal." Nocturnal animals have adapted their behaviors and physiology to thrive in low-light conditions, allowing them to hunt, forage, and engage in social interactions primarily when it is dark. This adaptation often involves specialized eyesight and other sensory adaptations that enhance their ability to navigate and find food in the absence of daylight. Animals such as owls, bats, and certain species of rodents exemplify this behavior, relying on the cover of darkness for various ecological advantages, including avoiding daytime predators and competing for resources when competition is reduced.

In contrast, diurnal animals are active during the day, crepuscular animals are mainly active during dawn and dusk, and carnivorous refers to a dietary classification rather than an activity pattern based on time of day. Understanding these terms is essential in animal control as it helps officers determine the best strategies for interacting with or managing wildlife.