Paolo hypothesizes that thick leg muscles are an inherited trait in dogs. He collects data about several dogs. The data show that dogs that live outdoors have thicker leg muscles than dogs that live indoors. What should Paolo conclude?

The data show a difference between dogs living outdoors and indoors, but they do not establish that thick leg muscles are inherited. Living outdoors could involve other influences, such as greater activity, that help explain the difference. Therefore, Paolo should conclude that inheritance alone may not account for thick leg muscles.

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