Conjugate reciprocal pairs of zeros and poles in FIR design Assuming the impulse response $h[n]$ of an FIR filter is real for all $n$, 


Why are zeros and poles in FIR design found in reciprocal and conjugate pairs? 
Is the assumption necessary for this phenomenon to take place?
Look up the complex conjugate root theorem which states that:


  If all the coefficients of a polynomial are real then its roots are either real or if there is a complex root, then its conjugate is also a root.


This theorem can be applied to the denomerator and numerator of a rational transfer function to judge about its poles and zeros.

"conjugate reciprocal roots" is not a necessary consequence of real coefficients. conjugate reciprocal pole-zeros are considered when we need some specific features such as being all-pass or when designing minimum-phase filters. This is because for instance reflection of a zero to its conjugate reciprocal does not influence on the magnitude response.