"According to the concept of transformational evolution, first clearly articulated by Lamarck, evolution consists of the gradual transformation of organisms from one condition of existence to another"

Ernst Mayr, a prominent evolutionary biologist, in his discussion of transformational advancement, highlights the fundamental concept proposed by Jean-Baptiste Lamarck. Lamarck was one of the earliest thinkers to propose a systematic theory of evolution. In this context, Mayr's quote emphasizes Lamarck's belief that development is a progressive, transformative procedure. This process involves the shift of organisms from one "condition of existence" to another, recommending a continuous development towards more complex or different types.

Lamarck's view, typically described as Lamarckism, is essentially characterized by the idea of an intrinsic drive towards intricacy and adjustment. Organisms modify their qualities or behaviors in response to their environmental conditions, and these obtained qualities can then be handed down to their offspring. This theory remains in contrast to Darwinian advancement, which stresses natural choice and variation within populations rather than individual transformation.

Mayr's analysis positions Lamarck as a pioneer in acknowledging evolutionary modification as a procedure of improvement. The term "transformational advancement" encapsulates the idea that specific organisms alter throughout their lifetime in action to ecological stimuli which these modifications can be acquired by the next generation. It's essential to note, however, that while Lamarck's system of acquired attributes was eventually superseded by Darwin's theory of natural selection, the idea that organisms are not static and go through alter with time remains a key element of evolutionary theory.

Mayr's reflection points to a wider understanding of evolutionary history, recognizing the contributions of numerous theories that have shaped the field. Even though Lamarck's particular systems have been mainly discredited due to contemporary genes, his transformative vision laid the groundwork for future advancements in evolutionary biology, highlighting the dynamic nature of life and its capacity to adjust and transform in time.