Small mammals , including bats , are sometimes caught , but insects are only rarely eaten .
Sometimes , small mammals , including bats , are eaten , but very rarely are insects caught .

Are these two sentences paraphrases of each other?
no

Joao was born in Portugal but attended school in Paris , before moving to Brazil , the British West Indies , and finally New Orleans .
Joao was born in Portugal , but attended school in Paris before moving to Brazil , the British Antilles and finally to New Orleans .

Are these two sentences paraphrases of each other?
yes

He had a good advantage on Russell Prince , who was considered the stronger mountain runner , and Saggers needed a lead of 2 min 29 sec .
He had a good lead on Russell Prince , who was considered the stronger mountain runner , and Saggers needed a lead of 2 min 29 sec .

Are these two sentences paraphrases of each other?
yes

The most general genres are epic , tragedy , comedy and creative non-fiction .
The most common genres are epic , tragedy , comedy , and creative non-fiction .

Are these two sentences paraphrases of each other?
yes