Texas Animal Control Officer Practice Test

What characteristic defines diurnal animals?

1. Active at twilight

2. Active at night

3. Active during the day

4. Active during dawn and dusk

The correct answer is: Active during the day

Diurnal animals are specifically characterized by their activity patterns, which are primarily centered around daylight hours. This means they are active during the day when the sun is up. This trait allows diurnal animals to take advantage of the light for foraging, social interaction, and other essential behaviors necessary for survival. In contrast, nocturnal animals are those that are active at night, while crepuscular animals tend to be active during twilight periods such as dawn and dusk. The option indicating activity at twilight does not align with the strict definition of diurnal behavior. Thus, the defining characteristic of diurnal animals is their day-time activity.