Part of the bryophyte family, the estimated 12,000 known moss species have evolved over millions of years to flourish without seeds, leaves, stems, or even roots. So we reviewed 150 years of scientific literature to see how these plants have been used in investigations,” von Konrat said in a statement. “Well, it turns out, the answer was, ‘Not that much.’”There are over 12,000 species of moss in the world. After analyzing microscopic plant remnants collected from the father’s shoes, von Konrat organized a team of botanists and search volunteers to help find the girl’s remains. “There are hundreds of species of moss and dozens of species of grasses and trees living in that area,” said von Konrat.