Which option helps to apply animations to elements on a slide?

The option that helps to apply animations to elements on a slide is specifically designed for that purpose, making it the correct choice. In PowerPoint, the "Animations" feature allows users to add movement and visual effects to text, images, shapes, and other elements within a slide. This capability enhances the presentation by guiding the audience's attention and making the content more engaging.

By utilizing the Animations tab, users can choose from various animation effects, set the order in which elements appear, and control the timing of each animation. This level of customization is integral to creating dynamic presentations that captivate an audience. While transitions are used to apply effects when moving from one slide to the next, and other choices like effects and insert do not specifically pertain to animating elements within a slide, the Animations feature is tailored solely for that task.