What type of algae has a branched growth form?

Branched algae resembling vascular plants exhibit growth forms that are often complex and can resemble the structure of higher plants due to their branching patterns. This differentiates them from other types of algae that may have simpler structures.

Single-celled algae are typically unicellular and do not exhibit branching. Filamentous algae consist of chains of cells that can form long threads but may not necessarily branch in the same way that vascular plant-like algae do. Floating algae generally refer to algae that are buoyant and float on a water surface but can be a variety of forms, including single-celled or filamentous types, lacking the specific branched structure seen in vascular plant-like algae.

Thus, the distinct branching growth form in option C is a defining characteristic that sets it apart from the other options provided.