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Crepuscular
FOR MOST OF US, WHEN THE SUN’S UP, WE’RE UP. Other critters
are nocturnal, operating mainly at night. But not everything falls intothose two camps. Many creatures are crepuscular — most active at
dusk and dawn — including some species of butterflies, bees, deer,
rabbits, even house cats. The trait can allow these animals to avoid
extreme temperatures, predators and competition with others over
resources. Meteorologists also use the term to describe some types
of light rays from the sun, such as the ones that pierce through clouds
like spotlights. — LACY SCHLEY; ILLUSTRATION BY CHAD EDWARDS
THAT WORD YOU HEARD
THE CRUX