Which statement accurately distinguishes between synthetic and natural polymers while considering their thermal properties?

Synthetic polymers are usually engineered to have higher melting points and greater thermal stability, while natural polymers tend to melt or decompose at lower temperatures. This difference comes from the stronger covalent bonds and bulky side groups in synthetic chains, which raise their melting temperatures, compared to the more flexible chains and weaker intermolecular forces in natural polymers. For example, nylon 6,6 melts around 260 °C, whereas cellulose begins to decompose near 200 °C. Thus, the key distinction is that synthetic polymers are generally more thermally resistant than natural polymers.