Step 1: Understanding the Concept:
This question requires matching different archaeological and geological dating (or paleo-environmental) techniques with the specific types of materials they are used to analyze.
Step 2: Detailed Explanation:
- A. Oxygen 16/18 technique: This is a paleo-climatological method, not strictly a dating method. It measures the ratio of oxygen isotopes ($^{18}$O/$^{16}$O) in the calcium carbonate of foraminifera shells found in deep-sea cores to reconstruct past global temperatures and ice volume. So, A matches with III.
- B. Radiocarbon (C-14) Dating: This well-known method dates organic materials by measuring the decay of the radioactive isotope carbon-14. Charcoal, wood, bone, and shell are all organic materials suitable for C-14 dating. So, B matches with IV.
- C. Potassium-Argon method: This radiometric dating technique is used on volcanic rocks. It measures the decay of potassium-40 to argon-40. Lavas and tuffs are types of volcanic rock that can be dated with this method to determine the age of the geological strata. So, C matches with I.
- D. Thermoluminescence (TL) method: This method is used to date crystalline materials that have been fired, most commonly ceramics. Heating releases trapped electrons, and the light emitted (luminescence) is measured to determine the time elapsed since the last firing. Pottery is the classic sample type for TL dating. So, D matches with II.
Step 3: Final Answer:
The correct pairings are: A-III, B-IV, C-I, D-II. This corresponds to option (C).