Diurnal animal

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A diurnal animal (dī-ŭr'nəl) is an animal that is active during the daytime and sleeps during the night. Animals that are not diurnal are either nocturnal (active at night) or crepuscular (active primarily during twilight). Many animal species are diurnal, including many mammals and birds. The diurnal pattern is controlled by the circadian rhythm of the animal.

Some mainly nocturnal or crepuscular animals have been domesticated as pets and have changed into diurnal animals to coincide with the cycle of human life. Examples are pet dogs and cats, which are derived from the wolf and the wild cat. However these animals may revert to their original behaviour when they are born feral.


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