This study aimed to use integrative taxonomy to classify organisms of found tardigrade populations. Integrative taxonomy refers to the use of a combination of taxonomic techniques, typically morphological, molecular, and ecological, to classify organisms more accurately, and has become increasingly used by taxonomists over the past decade The use of multiple techniques allows researchers to gain more understanding of the similarities and differences that exist between two organisms that may not be captured by the use of a singular approach. Approximately 100 tardigrades were isolated and imaged under a microscope from a range of substrates sampled across 10 sites to search for primarily limno-terrestrial tardigrades of northern New Jersey, USA including Drew University. 18S rRNA barcode sequencing was performed on the photographed individuals. Complete sequences for these genes were assembled for 5 distinct species that are described in the paper.

Two of the 18S rRNA sequences generated are slightly different from ones available in GenBank, but most closely match Milnesium tardigradum and Ramazottius oberhaeuseri. The remaining were identified as Minibiotus intermedius, Paramacrobiotus tonollli and Diphascon pingue, of which the latter two have never been described to occur in New Jersey before. Further investigations into the novel sequences is recommended using alternate DNA barcodes that may yield more results Research efforts to improve the understanding of biogeographic distributions of tardigrades is extremely important in monitoring the sensitivity of these animals to human-induced pressures.