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Many different types of green algae can be found in the creek. Green algae belong to the phyla Chlorophyta ("green plant"). Many species of green algae form long chains of cells (filaments) and are often referred to as filamentous green algae. They are commonly found growing on the surfaces of rocks on the creek bed. Scenedesmus is an example of a colnial green algae. It is more often found floating in the creek water and not attached to rocks on the bottom. Unlike most of the colonial green algae that form long filaments, scenedesmus forms small chains of four cells. The ends of the colony posess cell wall extensions that have a spike like appearance. Small vacuoles, filled with oil, can be seen at either end of each cell. The oil enables them to float in the water, maximizing their exposure to sunlight.