What is the term for animals that are active during the night?

The term for animals that are active during the night is "nocturnal." Nocturnal animals have adapted to being active in low light conditions, which allows them to take advantage of resources and avoid predation during nighttime hours. This adaptation is beneficial for their survival and can involve specialized senses that help them navigate and hunt in the dark, such as enhanced hearing, smell, or night vision.

In contrast, diurnal animals are active during the day, taking advantage of the sunlight. Crepuscular animals are active during the twilight hours of dawn and dusk, making use of the transitional light conditions. Hibernating refers to a state in which certain animals enter a deep sleep during colder months, conserving energy when food is scarce, and this does not relate to their activity patterns based on time of day.