Which of the following is not a characteristic of data visualizations?

Data visualizations serve a crucial role in making complex information accessible and understandable. One of the primary functions is to enhance comprehension of data, allowing viewers to grasp large volumes of information quickly through visual means. They also facilitate the summarization of large datasets, illustrating key points and patterns that might otherwise be buried in raw numbers. Additionally, effective visualizations can reveal trends and outliers, providing insights that can drive decision-making and highlight anomalies that require further investigation.

Choosing the option that states visualizations replace numerical analysis entirely reflects a misunderstanding of the purpose and function of visualizations. While they are a powerful tool for understanding and interpreting data, they do not eliminate the need for rigorous numerical analysis. Numerical analysis is essential for extracting precise metrics, performing statistical tests, and ensuring the integrity and accuracy of the data interpretation. Thus, stating that visualizations can supplant numerical methodologies oversimplifies the intricate relationship between these two components of data science.