Scenedesmus Meyen 1829 is an extant freshwater representative of the Chlorophyta (Order Chlorococcales, Family Scenedesmaceae). Fossil representatives have been conclusively identified from Lower Cretaceous lacustrine sediments and some are possibly as old as the Middle Jurassic. Specimens clearly attributable to Scenedesmus were encountered in Upper Jurassic Bossier Formation palynology preparations from a proprietary hydrocarbon exploration well in Wood County, Texas, USA. This alga, named Scenedesmus texanus sp. nov., is described herein. Also occurring with Scenedesmus are other freshwater representatives of the Chlorococcales, including Tetrastrum multifilorum and Pediastrum sp. The Bossier Formation Scenedesmus specimens occur in a mixed palynological assemblage consisting of freshwater algae, pollen, spores and a few dinoflagellate cysts. The combined occurrence of these palynomorphs indicates a marginal marine depositional setting with a freshwater influence.

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