What does the term "nocturnal" refer to?

The term "nocturnal" specifically refers to organisms or activities that take place during the night. This word originates from the Latin term "nocturnus," meaning "of the night." Animals that are considered nocturnal, such as owls, bats, and certain rodents, are adapted to be active when it is dark, often using specialized senses to navigate and hunt in low-light conditions.

In contrast, the other choices depict different scenarios related to time of day or light. For instance, being "active during the day" refers to diurnal habits, while "visible at dawn" pertains to a specific time related to sunrise, and "dependent on sunlight" speaks to organisms that require daylight for activities such as photosynthesis. These options highlight distinct concepts that do not align with the definition of "nocturnal."