Which feature is characteristic of a manual metering device compared to a globe valve?

A manual metering device is designed to provide precise control over the flow of fluid through a system, which is achieved using a needle point mechanism. This feature allows for finer adjustments to be made in the flow rate, enabling operators to achieve the exact desired amount of fluid. The needle point can be adjusted to various positions to regulate the fluid's passage accurately, making it particularly useful in applications where precision is critical.

In contrast, a globe valve is typically used for on/off control rather than fine-tuned metering. While globe valves can have varying sizes, they do not offer the same level of control and precision as a manual metering device. The other options describe features that are not inherent to manual metering devices: on/off switches pertain more to simple flow control mechanisms, automatic adjustments suggest an automated system unlike manual operations, and a larger diameter opening does not reflect the focus of metering devices, which is on controlling flow rather than maximizing throughput.