occuring occassionally
1. occurring in spells and often abruptly2. intermittently stopping and starting
We could only hear their voices intermittently. The light shone intermittently through the clouds.
If an alternator light keeps coming off and on, this may indicate that the voltage output of the vehicle is going up and down intermittently. This may mean the alternator may need to be replaced soon.
Occasionally and intermittently both mean sometimes.
A smoke alarm chirps intermittently when its battery is low and needs to be replaced.
A smoke detector chirps intermittently when its battery is low and needs to be replaced.
twinkle means to shine intermittently as irregular intervals,
Intermittently
Fire alarms chirp intermittently to indicate a low battery or a malfunction in the system.
arroyo
Your smoke alarm battery chirps intermittently to indicate that the battery is low and needs to be replaced.
Break down the phrase into each word's meanings. Periodic means occasionally, sometimes, intermittently. Consumption or to consume means to eat. So "periodic consumption" means "to intermittently eat". Periodic consumption could describe the eating habits of a crocodile or alligator, or a shark or whale.