A chart can be animated as one object, or you can animate the data markers. If the chart is animated as a whole, the entire chart, including the chart background, animate together. If the data markers are animated individually, there are two available choices: by series and by category.
The by series option allows the data markers by each series to be animated. The data markers can be animated individually or as a group.
The by category option allows the data markers by each category to be animated. The data markers can be animated individually or as a group.