Which material is a natural polymer extracted from the rubber tree?

Natural rubber is indeed the correct answer, as it is a polymer derived from the sap of the rubber tree, known scientifically as Hevea brasiliensis. This sap, or latex, is harvested from the tree through a process called tapping. The latex contains cis-1,4-polyisoprene, the primary chemical component of natural rubber, which gives it its elasticity and flexibility.

In contrast, synthetic rubber is produced through polymerization of petrochemical products, which means it is man-made and not extracted from natural sources. Polyethylene and polyester are also synthetic materials derived from chemical processes that involve hydrocarbons and are not related to natural rubber at all. This distinction highlights the unique origins and properties of natural rubber compared to synthetic alternatives and other synthetic polymers.