Leaves Dropping at Base: Need Plant ID and Clarification

Gina: Sister's and boyfriend's plants (ivy and fern type) losing leaves "at the root" while bottom leaves green and growing. "Almost balded at the root."

Clarification Needed

• Species ID: Many ivies and ferns – need specifics. Photos sufficient.
• "Leaves at roots": Roots are below soil; leaves don't grow there. Description unclear.

Please provide photos and clarify what "balded at the root" means (bare stems at soil line? crown thinning?).