To determine the difference between the modal weights of cats and small dogs, we first need to identify the mode for each group from the provided dot plots.
From the description of the dot plots:
Cats' Weights (in pounds):
- 9 pounds: 1 dot
- 10 pounds: 2 dots
- 11 pounds: 4 dots (highest frequency)
- 12 pounds: 2 dots
- 13 pounds: 1 dot
The mode for cats is 11 pounds (the weight with the highest frequency).
Small Dogs' Weights (in pounds):
- 8 pounds: 1 dot
- 9 pounds: 2 dots
- 10 pounds: 4 dots (highest frequency)
- 11 pounds: 2 dots
- 12 pounds: 2 dots
- 13 pounds: 2 dots
- 14 pounds: 1 dot
- 15 pounds: 1 dot
The mode for small dogs is 10 pounds (the weight with the highest frequency).
Now, we find the difference between the modes:
- Mode for cats: 11 pounds
- Mode for small dogs: 10 pounds
Difference = 11 pounds - 10 pounds = 1 pound.
Therefore, the answer is 1 pound.