1. the theory that chance is involved in evolution and that variation within a species is accidental. 2. the belief that chance rather than mere determinism operates in the cosmos. Cf. uniformitarianism. 1. Philosophy. a doctrine that the universe is governed only by rigid, unexceptionable law.
Share this set. an organism that produces its own nutrients from inorganic substances or from the environment instead of consuming other organisms. Autotroph. an organism that produces its own nutrients from inorganic substances or from the environment instead of consuming other organisms.
An autotroph is a being that can produce its own food from a variety of sources. Use this study guide to learn how autotrophs-such as weird plants, colorful algae, and microscopic bacteria-live all around us.slide 1 of 4.utotrophs (also called producers) can form their own food either by using sunlight and photosynthesis (phototrophs) or by obtaining chemical energy through oxidation (chemotrophs).