* Body size: Whales are some of the largest animals on Earth, and this trait is largely due to their evolutionary history. Whales evolved from small, land-dwelling mammals, but over time they adapted to life in the ocean and gradually increased in size. This increase in size was likely due to a number of factors, including the need for buoyancy, the availability of food, and protection from predators.
* Flippers: Whales have flippers instead of legs, which is another trait that they inherited from their evolutionary ancestors. Flippers are well-suited for swimming and allow whales to move quickly and efficiently through the water.
* Tail flukes: Whales also have tail flukes, which are used for propulsion. Tail flukes are formed by the fusion of the hind legs and are unique to whales and dolphins.
* Blowhole: Whales have a blowhole, which is a nostril located on top of their head. The blowhole allows whales to breathe air while swimming underwater.
* Baleen plates: Some whales, such as the blue whale and the humpback whale, have baleen plates. Baleen plates are made of keratin, the same material that makes up human hair and nails. Baleen plates hang from the upper jaw and are used to filter small prey, such as krill, out of the water.
* Echolocation: Whales use echolocation to navigate and find prey. Echolocation involves emitting high-pitched sounds and listening for the echoes that bounce back off of objects. This allows whales to create a mental map of their surroundings and to locate prey that is hidden from view.
These are just a few examples of the many inherited traits that whales have. These traits have allowed whales to adapt to life in the ocean and to become some of the most successful marine mammals on Earth.