The opposite of nocturnal is daytime, which refers to the period of the Earth’s rotation when sunlight is directly visible. In zoos, nocturnal animals are often kept in special enclosures that invert their normal sleep-wake cycles so they can be seen by visitors during the daytime.
In addition, nocturnality may help them avoid being eaten by diurnal predators. These species are able to conserve water by staying hidden during the day and only emerging at night. While most mammals and birds are diurnal, many reptiles, including snakes and lizards, are nocturnal. They may also use sunlight to synthesise Vitamin D in their bodies, which is essential for their health and wellbeing. Diurnal animals follow a natural internal rhythm called the circadian rhythm, which helps them to get the most out of their habitat and environment.įor example, diurnal animals may be more likely to hunt for food by day because they can see their prey better than at night. It is also used to refer to an animal that is active during the day and sleeps at night, such as squirrels or songbirds. Diurnal is an adjective that describes something that happens during the daytime, as opposed to night.
