The process of data classification involves determining the optimal number of features that lead to high accuracy. However, feature selection (FS) is a complex task that necessitates robust metaheuristics due to its challenging NP-hard nature. This paper introduces a hybrid algorithm that combines the Artificial Ecosystem Optimization (AEO) operators with the Whale Optimization Algorithm (WOA) to enhance numerical optimization and FS. While the WOA algorithm, inspired by the hunting behavior of whales, has been successful in solving various optimization problems, it can sometimes be limited in its ability to explore and may become trapped in local optima. To address this limitation, the authors propose the use of AEO operators to improve the exploration process of the WOA algorithm. The authors conducted experiments to evaluate the effectiveness of their proposed method, called AEOWOA, using the CEC'20 test suite for numerical optimization and sixteen datasets for FS. They compared the results with those obtained from other optimization methods. Through experimental and statistical analyses, it was observed that AEOWOA delivers efficient search results with faster convergence, reducing the feature size by up to 89% while achieving up to 94% accuracy. These findings shed light on potential future research directions in this field.