What defines diurnal animals?

Diurnal animals are specifically defined as those that are most active during the daylight hours. This characteristic allows them to take advantage of the light and warmth during the day, engaging in activities such as foraging for food, social interaction, and mating. Many diurnal species have adaptations that optimize their vision and behavior for daylight, making them well-suited to conditions found in bright light. Examples of diurnal animals include birds, many primate species, and various insects.

While other categories of animals, such as nocturnal and crepuscular, describe the patterns of activity during night or twilight respectively, diurnal is distinctly focused on daytime behaviors. Hence, the definition of diurnal encapsulates the unique adaptations and ecological roles these animals fulfill within their environments during daylight hours.