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.
There are two major classes of autotrophs: Chemoautotrophs and photoautotrophs. Chemoautotrophs are bacteria that use chemical energy. They are able to take in carbon dioxide and water and convert those substances into carbohydrates and sugars. Carbohydrates and sugar are the main energy sources for bacteria.