How Far Does a Given Level of Descriptive Granularity Remain Valid in Models of Biological Behavior?A Comparative Research Program for Reproduction, Prediction, Intervention, and Coarse-Graining

Abstract

This research note proposes a comparative program for examining how far different levels of descriptive granularity remain sufficient in models of biological behavior. Rather than assuming that one explanatory level is universally correct, the paper separates model scope, granularity, form, available information, and learning capacity, and evaluates behavioral reproduction, held-out prediction, intervention response, coarse-graining robustness, and generalization across specified bodies and environments. A staged Drosophila walking and turning study is used to illustrate how the tested range of retained sufficiency could be localized across graded conditions. Cross-body transfer to a small drone is treated only as an optional extension for examining portability of a partly validated control structure. This is a conceptual paper and methodological research plan. It reports no new experiments, completed simulations, performance comparisons, or empirical validation of the proposed protocol. Generative AI tools were used iteratively for drafting, language editing, structural refinement, literature discovery, English translation, and the exploration and elaboration of comparison criteria, examples, and possible research formulations. Some specific formulations, examples, and elements of the research program emerged through repeated human–AI interaction rather than being fully specified by the author in advance. The initial research questions, scope, decisions on inclusion or exclusion of proposed ideas, final interpretation, and responsibility for the manuscript remain with the author.