The metaheuristic genetic algorithm (GA) is based on the natural selection process that falls under the umbrella category of evolutionary algorithms (EA). Genetic algorithms are typically utilized for generating high-quality solutions for search and optimization problems by depending on bio-oriented operators such as selection, crossover, and mutation. However, the GA still suffers from some downsides and needs to be improved so as to attain greater control of exploitation and exploration concerning creating a new population and randomness involvement happening in the population at the solution initialization. Furthermore, the mutation is imposed upon the new chromosomes and hence prevents the achievement of an optimal solution. Therefore, this study presents a new GA that is centered on the natural selection theory and it aims to improve the control of exploitation and exploration. The proposed algorithm is called genetic algorithm based on natural selection theory (GABONST). Two assessments of the GABONST are carried out via (i) application of fifteen renowned benchmark test functions and the comparison of the results with the conventional GA, enhanced ameliorated teaching learning-based optimization (EATLBO), Bat and Bee algorithms. (ii) Apply the GABONST in language identification (LID) through integrating the GABONST with extreme learning machine (ELM) and named (GABONST-ELM). The ELM is considered as one of the most useful learning models for carrying out classifications and regression analysis. The generation of results is carried out grounded upon the LID dataset, which is derived from eight separate languages. The GABONST algorithm has the capability of producing good quality solutions and it also has better control of the exploitation and exploration as compared to the conventional GA, EATLBO, Bat, and Bee algorithms in terms of the statistical assessment. Additionally, the obtained results indicate that (GABONST-ELM)-LID has an effective performance with accuracy reaching up to 99.38%.