faithful species (fidelity) In phytosociology, a species confined, or nearly so, to a particular association. The species may or may not be constant to the association fidelity, and therefore faithful or characteristic species can be determined satisfactorily only if a full knowledge of other community types is available. Five fidelity classes are commonly distinguished:
a. accidental;

b. indifferent;

c. preferential;

d. selective;

e. exclusive.
See also COMPANION SPECIES; KENNARTEN SPECIES; and PLANT ASSOCIATION.

faithful species(fidelity) In phytosociology, a species confined, or nearly so, to a particular association. The species may or may not be constant to the association fidelity, and therefore faithful or characteristic species can be determined satisfactorily only if a full knowledge of other community types is available. Five fidelity classes are commonly distinguished: (a)accidental;(b)indifferent;(c)preferential;(d)selective;(e)exclusive.See also companion species; kennarten species; and plant association.