What does selecting the 'By Category' animation option do for a chart in PowerPoint?

Selecting the 'By Category' animation option for a chart in PowerPoint organizes the animations based on the categories represented within the chart. This means that when this option is chosen, the animation will occur in a structured manner where entire categories are brought into view before the individual elements of those categories are animated. It allows for a clearer presentation of data by emphasizing the different segments within the chart, making it easier for the audience to follow along as each category of data is highlighted.

This approach allows for a more logical flow in data presentation. For instance, if a pie chart represents sales data by product line, choosing the 'By Category' option would first animate the entire segment for each product line, creating an overarching narrative before diving into the specifics of individual products within those categories. This helps in improving comprehension for the viewer, focusing their attention on one segment at a time.