This contribution proposes an enhanced and generic selection model for Genetic Algorithms (GAs) and Genetic Programming (GP) which is able to preserve the alleles which are part of a high quality solution. Some selected aspects of these enhanced techniques are discussed exemplarily on the basis of standardized benchmark problems. Categories and Subject Descriptors I.2.8 [Artificial Intelligence]: Problem Solving, Control Methods, and Search—heuristic methods General Terms Algorithms theory Keywords Genetic Algorithms, selection, adaptation/self adaptation