How might evolution and adaptation account for similarities and differences between hippos and whales?

Hippos and whales share a common ancestor, which explains some of their similarities, such as body structure and certain physiological traits. Over millions of years, both groups adapted to their respective environments—hippos to semi-aquatic life and whales to fully aquatic life. These adaptations resulted in significant differences, including body shape, respiratory systems, and modes of locomotion, showcasing how evolution shapes organisms in response to their habitats while preserving shared lineage traits.