Is Fantom part of Ethereum?

I'm just trying to wrap my head around this cryptocurrency stuff. Could you clarify for me whether Fantom is somehow affiliated with or a part of Ethereum? I've heard some buzz around these two projects, but I'm not entirely sure how they relate to each other. Is Fantom built on the Ethereum blockchain? Or does it operate independently? Also, could you explain any potential similarities or differences between the two? I'm really curious to understand the nuances of this fast-paced and exciting world of digital currencies.