Are pol and MATIC different?

Excuse me, could you possibly clarify the distinction between POL and MATIC for me? I'm trying to grasp the fundamental differences between the two, as I'm new to the cryptocurrency realm and want to ensure I'm investing wisely. Are they both tokens used in separate blockchain networks, or do they serve similar purposes? Additionally, could you elaborate on any notable features or advantages that each one possesses? Thank you for your time and assistance.