The progression of the substantia nigra over time from its initial formation until its mature state. The substantia nigra is the layer of gray substance that separates the posterior parts of the cerebral peduncles (tegmentum mesencephali) from the anterior parts; it normally includes a posterior compact part with many pigmented cells (pars compacta) and an anterior reticular part whose cells contain little pigment (pars reticularis). [ https://www.worldcat.org/search?q=bn%3A0878937420 GOC:cls http://purl.obolibrary.org/obo/go/references/0000021 GOC:dgh https://www.worldcat.org/search?q=bn%3A0838580343 GOC:jid GOC:dph ]